Reactions are just what they are, an immediate response to an event, situation, or circumstance. If we could look at our reactions openly and honestly we would have a mechanism to see ourselves for what we really are, however most of the time that is asking for something that most of us cannot give.
I was watching a TV documentary last night on the life of a singer turned television personality. There was a telling moment where she described her reaction to the news that her manager had died. She honestly talked about her sadness and lingering guilt about this; simply put she wondered about her self first and then about the individual and his family second.
Her reaction wasn’t unique. I can remember a car accident where, after hearing that someone had hit a water buffalo in the middle of a rainstorm at night, the number one question was simply; was the buffalo ok? I never had to think about my reaction to good grades, extremely rare events, but tragedy was familiar. As I think back most of the time my reactions were self centric. Run through a plate glass window? Reaction; what happens if I get caught? Narrowly miss being hit by a train on a bridge or launched into a river some sixty feet below? Reaction; what happens if someone finds out that this has happened? Being part of an accident where another’s life was put in the balance? Reaction, how do I explain this?
Fortunately our first reactions are not the measure of our life! John’s reaction to a vision delivered by an angel from God was along the same line. “Immediately when I heard and saw, I fell on my face to worship at the feet of the Angel who laid it all out before me. He objected, ‘No you don’t! I’m a servant just like you and your companions, the prophets, and all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!’” (Revelation 22.9)
What is your reaction to God gifts today? Think twice, your life will follow your decision.
