Daily Journal: 29 August

Responsive

Rather Than Impulsive

What is the difference between being responsive and being impulsive?

DEFINITIONS FROM OXFORD LANGUAGES

Responsive: reacting quickly and positively

Impulsive: acting or done without forethought

As a believer of Christ, I can be responsive to the Holy Spirit’s wisdom in every moment, and quell my innate, selfish tendencies to impulsively act on my own whim, without care or consideration to consequences.

Galatians 5:16 (AMP)

But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts].

When I walk daily in the Holy Spirit I continually check myself, tuning in to the Holy Spirit living in me who reminds me who I am and the biblical teaching that I’m about. I measure my peace in any given moment.

If I am restless, anxious, agitated, if I’m allowing thoughts to rule me, if I’m being thoughtless or careless, I know I’m not quiet enough to be responsive to the calm, peaceful, direct knowledge of the Holy Spirit in me, gifted to me.

The whirring in my mind, the impulsive and careless words that would want to spill out, the impulsive thoughts that direct my attitudes, the impulsive and unwise actions I would desire to take, the impulsive indulgences – all these things that aren’t good for me – are pinned down while I choose to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

I desire, and choose, to remain in His peace and receive His favour, receiving the premium consequences of doing what is right rather than what my own nature would dictate and then have to deal with that fallout.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

I confess my heart and my mind are wilful. As I submit myself to Him I ask Him to cleanse me from the unrighteousness that rules me every chance it gets so that I can follow Him in peace and remain in right-standing with Him.

1 John 1:9 (ESV)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I choose to bring myself into submission to His gentle voice.

I want to be immediately responsive and in tune with His thoughts and follow His direction.

I want to be responsive rather than impulsive so that the plans He has for me, which are good, will be fulfilled.

Each moment of responsiveness to the Holy Spirit leads to His will being fulfilled for my life.

Jeremiah 29:11 (GWT)

I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.