PRO-ACTIVITY

SET YOUR MIND on things above, not on things on the earth – Colossians 3:2 (NKJV)

A proactive person takes responsibility for everything in life rather than looking for causes in other people or outside forces. He or she SETS the MIND, acts before a situation becomes a Crisis, and moves in advance to handle challenges. Proactiveness or pro-activity is the state of being proactive. Proactive choices are based on values and principles; while reactive choices are primarily based on circumstances, desires, emotions, and the environment. The Reactive says: “There is nothing I can do…That’s just the way I am…We have no option…!” The Proactive says: “Let’s look at alternatives…I’ll consider a new approach…I prefer…” Words shape behaviour, values, and who we become. Proactive words produce proactive behaviour. Reactive words becomes self-fulfilling prophesy! What words do you hear? What words do you use?

Reactive people react to events rather than initiating them; they blame others and circumstances for obstacles or problems. They resign to the idea that whatever they do in the present can have no effect on their situation. Interestingly, for them, this really holds, for whatever we believe in our heart affects our thoughts, words and actions. If we believe that we can do nothing about life’s events, then we simply do not make the effort. Proactive people, on the other hand, believe that there are always choices. They can affect the future by their decisions and responses. We may have no control over what life throws at us but we always have a choice about how to respond. We can bring solutions to observed problems rather than merely complaining about conditions. We can thus influence our world – homes, workplaces and communities – positively.

Although the word ‘proactive’ was coined by the psychiatrist Victor Frankl, it is really scriptural. Christians are commanded to prepare and be ready (Lk.13:40; Tit.3:1; 1Pet.1:13; 3:15). The Sermon on the Mount and Great Commission are Jesus’ Calls for Christians to be proactive Witnesses in the world (Mt.5:2-12; 28:18-20). We are not meant to merely react against events. Being proactive aligns with being a believer. We are not machines without choice in our responses to situations. Our hearts and minds integrate spiritual, emotional, and logical evaluations of alternative responses to stimuli to choose a preferred approach. The Holy Spirit residing in our hearts brings God’s wisdom to bear in such choices if we will allow Him. We become empowered Victors who can turn all things to good, rather than victims of circumstances that come our way.

Proactivity differentiates repentance from regret. Repentance is an admission, hatred of, and turning away from sin to God. Whereas, regret is a reactive feeling; it is situated in disappointment and sorrow (Mt.27:5). It merely wishes things were different without acting to cause a difference. We always have a choice regarding sin: to proactively obey God rather than reactively give into temptation (1Cor.10:13). We can actively engage our hearts and minds prior to temptations, such that when we are tempted, we can pray and think through, and see the way of escape. Stephen Covey wrote, “The proactive approach to a mistake is to acknowledge it instantly, correct and learn from it.” Instead of brooding over present problems, why not recast current challenges into proactive goals?  

God equips us with His word to deal with every situation we'll face (1Tim.3:16-17). We must proactively obey His Word, rather than react based on feelings (Col.3:1-5). We base our choices on Biblical values and principles, rather than carnal desires, emotions, circumstances, and environment. Proactivity infers Preparation – our next Principle for meditation!