Actions and Reactions
(6 minute read; 1042 words)
The Law of Causality (Cause and Effect) states that for every effect, there is a specific cause; and for every cause, there is a predictable effect.
This universal law is immutable, which means “not changing” or “unable to be changed.”
Nothing “just” happens by itself. When something “happens” (the effect), there must be something that “causes” it to happen.
Your thoughts (and attitudes; Rule #5) “cause” your actions and reactions to “happen.”
Actions are what you choose to say and do.
Reactions are what you choose to say and do in response to what someone else says or does… or what you say and do, how you “react;” in response to some situation or circumstance, some “thing,” that occurs.
Your actions and reactions are also know as your “behavior.”
Rule #2 applies here, as with all the others. Actions and reactions like the thoughts (and attitudes) that cause them, are either good or bad, but can’t be both at the same time and can’t be anything other than good or bad and whatever else represents good and bad.
Good actions and reactions can never cause bad results and bad actions and reactions can never cause good results. Cause and effect.
Your actions and reactions are voluntary and should (and do, by the way) reflect your character which is shaped and defined by your attitudes. Good behavior should be considered “in-character,” your “default factory setting,” so to speak— the way your character was intentionally designed by God, by you and by your influences. Bad behavior should always be “out-of-character,” and it should be rare and brief— it doesn’t happen very often and it doesn’t last very long. When resetting from “out-of-character” behavior back to “in-character,” all you have to do is “reset to default;” reset to whatever good character looks like (body language), sounds like and acts like. Eliminate any recurring “out-of-character” behavior. Frequent repetition of bad behavior indicates a character flaw that needs to be dealt with sooner rather than later. Turn away from it. Repent. Forsake it. Be done with it.
A Rule Within a Rule (3A): Make sure your bad behaviors are rare and brief; they don’t happen very often and they don’t last very long. Recognize them quickly (perhaps even before they happen) and stop them in their tracks and change them from bad to good.
You have the ability and the responsibility to control your behavior, your actions and reactions, at all times. Disciplined thinking, self-control and wisdom are required. Think before you say or do things. Choose your actions wisely; are they good or bad, right or wrong, appropriate or inappropriate, Christ-like or not, and do they please God and bring Him glory or do they not? Use self-restraint when needed; stop thinking it, don’t say it, don’t do it, stop saying doing it or stop doing it. Sometimes saying nothing and doing nothing are the best responses. Maybe just smile and change the subject and/or even change your location. Sometimes you might just have to “turn the other two cheeks” and walk (or run) away from a conflict.
A Rule Within a Rule (3B): Do not reciprocate (DNR) the negativity of others. To reciprocate means to respond in like manner. Do not respond in like manner to someone else’s bad behavior; don’t act like them. Always make every attempt to present the good attitudes and actions you wish to be reciprocated by others. You will be surprised how often your good behaviors are reciprocated simply because you “acted” good first; a non-reciprocal response— you don’t give what you got.
A Rule Within a Rule (3C): Always have a good attitude, an appropriate response, in place to deal with any behavior or circumstance you will encounter even before it happens, so you will have already rehearsed your response and know exactly how to react to it. Example: “If this happens (whatever “this” is), this is how I will respond.” A simple fix: Respond to both good and bad behavior with a good attitude. You’ll be stunned at the results.
A Rule Within a Rule (3D): Never “over-react” unless it’s a dangerous or life-threatening situation. Most situations in your life are neither.
A Rule Within a Rule (3E): Whatever happens, always conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; Christlike, pleasing to God and bringing Him glory in all circumstances. (adapted from Philippians 1:27)
It is only your good thoughts, good attitudes, good actions and good reactions that you wish to be reciprocated by others. Be careful who and what influences you and be careful how you influence others.
Notable Thoughts about Actions and Reactions
“What changes lives is making decisions and taking actions that produce the results you want.” (Tony Robbins)
“Change your thinking and your behavior changes. Change you behavior (actions and reactions) and your thinking changes. Mindset and behavior must always be in harmony.” RAC
“The greatest weapon you have over distress, negativity and the bad attitudes of others, is your ability to choose a good way of thinking as your response;” a non-reciprocal response. ‘How should I react and respond to this… if at all?'” RAC
“You cannot control all the circumstances in life, but you can always control the way you think and act in every circumstance.” RAC
“Whatever happens, always conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:27 NIV; emphasis added). This will work every single time.
Memorize and Use These Rules:
Rule #3 – Your thoughts which are “acted on,” cause your actions and reactions. Rule #3A – Make sure your bad behaviors are rare and brief; they don’t happen very often and they don’t last very long. Rule #3B – Do not reciprocate (DNR) the negativity of others. Rule #3C – Always have a good attitude, an appropriate response, in place to deal with any behavior or circumstance you will encounter even before it happens, so you will have already rehearsed your response and know how to react to it. Rule #3D – Never “over-react” to anything unless it’s a dangerous or life-threatening situation. Rule #3E – Whatever happens, always conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
theattituderules.com 