Proactive v. Reactive lifestyle

[AlanFromWichita]

Worldly wisdom teaches us to be proactive – and that proactive is “better” than reactive.

“Don’t just sit there, do something.”

“Take some initiative.”

“Step up to the plate and do something.”

“Don’t let things happen; make things happen.”

“You must follow through even though it seems everything is against you.”

“Always remain steadfast in carrying out your orders come what may.”

More directly, we have, “get up and be proactive for a change.”

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In spiritual life, are we not to be reactive? Are we not to stop and help a stranded person or is “getting there on time” more important? If we see a need, we are not to ignore it by saying, “it’s not my job,” or “sorry, I’m on task here.”

God spoke twice to crowds – both times He said to “listen to” His Son. How can we listen if not by being sensitive to the Holy Spirit? How can we hear the Holy Spirit if we put on our tunnel-vision blinders and “stay on task” despite anything that would distract us?

I’ve spoken somewhat in generalizations, I understand, but I did so in the attempt of not being painfully verbose. For example, sometimes a person is on a very proactive mission which includes listening and reacting. I mean to discuss in generalities and patterns, knowing full well there may be some (but I assert not overwhelming) examples to the contrary. I do not claim that “reactive” is better than “proactive,” just that proactive behavior is often sold or regarded as unconditionally “better” than reactive, and I reject that sales pitch.

Alan

 

[m134e5]

well said

 

[Karen10]

I think I know what you mean, but I’m not entirely sure. Are you talking about a self-centered, pro-active lifestyle, vs. a reactive one of listening, contemplating, and then reacting?

Being proactive is good, as long as one’s will is subordinate to God’s and aligned with it, and remains conscious of this especially during long tasks.

Here’s something I read in The Spiritual Combat last night. It has to do with ‘getting things done’ and being aligned with God’s will. It says, you can tell you’ve lost your way and let the task become a self-centered task, when you get upset at all the interruptions that can come your way. In doing that, you’ve made it clear that you want to get the task done for you, and that having your will aligned with God’s isn’t what is most important to you anymore.

Here’s a quote:

Well meaning but vulnerable persons generally set out with no other purpose than to please God. But by degrees they permit themselves, without knowing it, to be lured away by vanity. They forget the divine will which first influenced them and are completely absorbed in the satisfaction afforded by their actions, and in the advantages and rewards they expect. If it happens that, while they think they are accomplishing great things, Providence permits them to be interrupted by sickness or some accident, they are immediately dissatisfied, criticizing everyone about them, and sometimes even God Himself. This is clear evidence that the motive, the force behind their actions was bad.

So it’s important even during a pro-active activity with the intention to please God, not to fall into the vanity trap. That is maybe how you are describing “reactive”, right?

 

[Flopfoot]

I think that when people speak against being ‘reactive’, they mean in terms of people who will never do anything, because no-one has given them any stimulus to react to. Like a guy who waits for a girl he likes to call him or talk to him or whatever, instead of him taking the initiative to start a relationship. (That’s like me, and no surprise that I have never had any luck).
Or, a person who lives in an affluent area, and never sees any poverty, and so never reacts by giving money to charity. Sometimes you have to go looking to find out who needs help.

I think we can be both proactive and reactive. If there’s no immediate situation that requires us to react to it, and we are just sitting around wasting time, then it might be an idea to go looking for some good works to do (even if it’s just saying a prayer, that’s not nothing).
On the other hand, it’s not right to miss an opportunity to help someone who needs your help because you don’t want to spare any time for them. Anyone who has no time for a friend is very poor indeed.
Hope this makes sense.