Don’t Just Do Something! Sit There!

            We’ve all probably heard the expression, “Don’t Just Stand There! Do Something!” However, I recently read a financial column by Alex Scherer that advised the opposite: “Don’t Just Do Something! Sit There!” The advice was given in light of the huge losses and gains in ticker prices that often follow a company’s quarterly earnings report. The columnist urged readers never to buy or sell a stock on the day those numbers come out as the information released on that day alone actually has little bearing on a stock’s future performance. Further, the great fluctuations of that day can often cause one to make an investing mistake. I found the sentiment to be rather interesting as it applies to much more important spiritual matters.

            The Proverbs writer said, “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established” (Proverbs 4:26). There’s something to be said about carefully considering each step before you take it. I know from experience in hiking that a hasty step can often be the last step before a nasty fall. However, a firm, well-thought step – even on a narrow ledge or saddleback – is never as dangerous as it seems. The same is certainly true when it comes to the steps we take spiritually. Paul further advised, “See then that ye walk circumspectly [carefully looking around you - PWS], not as fools, but as wise” (Ephesians 5:16).  

Many people get sucked in by a great sale or a fantastic job offer without sitting down and doing something Jesus recommended – counting the cost (Luke 14:28). The devil wants us to make hasty decisions without keeping God in our plans, as it is a sure fire way to wind up alienated from God (James 4:13-17). Before we take any action, no matter how seemingly small, we have to consider how it is going to affect what is most important to us: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). 

Haste doesn’t just make waste through our deeds. A word spoken in anger or without thought can often be the ruin of relationship. James advised, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). Don’t let the word swift fool you – the swiftness James speaks of is still towards observation and therefore inaction. If we are going to be quick to do anything, James says, be quick to consider.

            There are times when we simply cannot afford to wait, such as when we desire to obey the gospel (e.g. Acts 8:36-38), when it comes to preaching the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:16), or when we are faced with temptation (e.g. 1 Timothy 6:11). However, for the most part, major decisions and important actions turn out best when undertaken slowly, with time being given to consider fully the consequences. Sometimes therefore we need to heed the advice, “Don’t Just Do Something! Sit There!”