Actions and Reactions
(4 minute read; 690 words)
The Law of Causality (Cause and Effect) states that every effect has a cause and every cause produces an effect.
This universal law is immutable—it does not change and cannot be changed.
Nothing simply happens on its own. Every effect has a cause behind it.
Therefore, your thoughts (and attitudes; Rule #5) are the cause; your actions and reactions are the effect.
Actions are the things you intentionally say and do.
Reactions are what you choose to say and do in response to what someone else says or does… or in response to some situations or circumstances that occurs.
Together, your actions and reactions make up your behavior.
Rule #2 applies here as well. Like the thoughts and attitudes that produce them, actions and reactions are either good or bad. They cannot be both at the same time. And they can’t be anything other than good or bad or whatever else represent good and bad— happy or unhappy, friendly or unfriendly, respectful or disrespectful, etc.
Good actions and reactions can never cause bad results and bad actions and reactions can never cause good results.
Good actions and reactions generally lead to good results, while bad actions and reactions generally lead to bad results.
Your actions and reactions are choices that should reflect your character, which is shaped and defined by your attitudes. Bad behavior should always be viewed as “out-of-character.”
When resetting from “out-of-character” 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.
Repeated bad behavior reveals a character flaw that must be addressed. Turn away from it. Repent. Forsake it. Leave it behind.
Make your bad behaviors rare and brief. Catch them quickly—perhaps even before they occur—and stop them immediately. Replace them with good behaviors.
You have both the ability and the responsibility to control your behavior. Disciplined thinking, self-control and wisdom are required. Ask yourself: Is this good or bad? Right or wrong? Appropriate or inappropriate? Christlike or not? Does it please God and bring Him glory? Sometimes it’s better to say nothing and do nothing. And you might just have to “turn the other two cheeks” and walk away from a potential conflict.
Do not reciprocate (DNR) the negativity of others. Do not respond to bad behavior with bad behavior. Instead, model the attitudes and actions you hope to see in return. You will be surprised how often good behavior is reciprocated simply because you chose to go first.
Decide in advance how you will respond to situations before they occur. “If this happens, this is how I will respond.” A simple rule: Respond to both good and bad behavior with a good attitude. The results may surprise you.
Never overreact unless the situation is dangerous or life-threatening. Most situations are not.
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)
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. The mindset and the 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 This Rule:
Rule #3 – Your thoughts (and attitudes) cause your actions and reactions.
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