The oft-overlooked second step

Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.  –Proverbs 13:16 (NLT)
 
It’s true in nature: a stimulus produces an instinctual response. It’s true in chemistry: the behavior of elements brought into contact with one another under specific environmental conditions is constant and predictable. In physics, Sir Isaac Newton’s third law of motion states it this way: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”
 
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.  –James 1:19-20 (NIV)
 
All too often, we view our behavior in the same way, triggered by the actions of others. You hear it in statements such as, “That’s just the way I am,” or “What choice did I have?” or “A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.” Scripture calls us to a better way. In addition to the fact that our Creator has endowed us with a brain capable of making rational value judgments, we, as Christians, have the added benefit of the Spirit of Christ living inside us.
 
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.  -1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
 
We must examine how other people's behavior has been a cue for our own reactions, and be willing to interrupt that action/reaction sequence. For us, there is always a three-part process in any reaction—first, the other person's behavior; second, a moment of choosing a response; and third, our reaction. It’s easy to overlook the all-important choice stage. It feels automatic. It may feel as though the other person made me do it.
 
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  –Ephesians 4:29-31 (NIV)
 
There is a lot going on in our world right now. Information is fluid. Assumptions are made, blame is assessed, sides are chosen, lines are drawn. Words are written, statements are made, actions are taken. As election season heats up, expect more situations that tempt us to reaction. We are men of God. Let our reactions be considered, chosen, measured, and intentional toward honoring our God and Savior.  
 
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  –Colossians 3:17 (ESV)