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 believers in Christ, we can be responsive to the Holy Spirit’s wisdom in every moment, and quell our innate tendencies to impulsively act 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 we walk in tune with the Holy Spirit and continually check ourselves, we are reminded of who we are and the biblical teaching that we know.

If we are restless, anxious, or agitated, if we allow thoughts to rule us, if we're careless, we know we're not quiet enough to be responsive to the Holy Spirit that has been gifted to us.

Then, we are more responsive to the impulsive words that want to spill out, the impulsive thoughts that direct our attitudes, the impulsive actions we desire to take, the impulsive indulgences. All of these things aren’t good for us and must be taken captive in the knowledge of Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

When we choose to obey Christ, we receive the premium consequences of doing what is right, and we remain in His peace rather than suffer the fallout from following the dictates of our own nature.

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.

Our heart and our mind are wilful, and the bible says, wicked above all else (Jeremiah 17:9). As we submit ourselves to Him we ask Him to cleanse us from the unrighteousness that rules us every chance it gets, so that we 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.

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

Are you as responsive as you could be to the Holy Spirit and the knowledge of Jesus Christ in you or do you need to bring this before Him now?

I pray that we will choose to bring ourselves into submission to your gentle voice, Lord Jesus. I pray that we will want to be immediately responsive rather than impulsive, and in tune with your thoughts and follow your direction so that the plans you have for us, which are good, will be fulfilled.