Some time ago at our midweek church service, I spoke about quitting reactions and choosing responses instead. It didn’t take long before my daughters started using that line on each other. Now I often hear the younger one correct her sister: “Grace, you’re reacting. Stop reacting. Start responding.” Those little moments really bless me.
Friend, are you reacting or responding to life? Living by reaction means you are letting life happen to you instead of you happening to life. The power of choice is one of the greatest gifts God has given man. Learn to use it (Genesis 6:3, Deuteronomy 30:19).
You were not born a winner or a loser. You were born a chooser. If you fail, it’s your choice. If you succeed, it’s also your choice. Wealth is a choice as well as poverty (Proverbs 22:2, 29:13). It is not what happens to you that matters. It is how you respond to it.
When Jesus told us to turn the other cheek, He was teaching us the power of choice (Luke 6:29). The person who slaps you expects a slap in return. That would be a reaction. But choosing to respond differently proves you control your emotions, not them (Ephesians 4:26-27).
No one made you do anything. You chose to do it. Young lady, no one forced you into sex. You chose it. Young man, the economy did not t push you into crime. You chose it. Stop the blame game (Genesis 3:12). If you keep blaming others for your reality, you will keep repeating cycles of failure.
Take charge of your life. Don’t hand anyone permission to toy with your emotions. Don’t let your spouse, employer, or government decide your joy and productivity (Song of Solomon 1:6). Choose to be joyful. Choose to be productive. Choose to enjoy where you are on your way to where you are going (Psalm 118:24).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria