Taking Action
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Definition and Importance
Taking action refers to the process of making decisions and executing plans in accordance with God's will and biblical principles. It involves moving beyond mere contemplation or intention to actively engage in behaviors that reflect faith, obedience, and commitment to God's purposes. The Bible emphasizes the importance of taking action as a demonstration of faith and a means of fulfilling God's commands.

Biblical Examples
1. Noah: Noah is a prime example of taking action in obedience to God. When God instructed him to build an ark in preparation for the flood, Noah acted on God's command despite the absence of immediate evidence of rain. Genesis 6:22 states, "So Noah did everything precisely as God had commanded him."

2. Abraham: Abraham's willingness to take action is evident in his response to God's call to leave his homeland and go to a land that God would show him. Hebrews 11:8 highlights his faith-driven action: "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going."

3. Esther: Queen Esther took courageous action to save her people from destruction. Despite the risk to her own life, she approached the king to plead for the Jews. Esther 4:16 records her resolve: "If I perish, I perish."

4. Nehemiah: Nehemiah took decisive action to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. His leadership and determination are evident in Nehemiah 2:18, where he says, "Let us start rebuilding." So they began this good work.

Theological Insights
Taking action is often linked with faith in the Bible. James 2:17 underscores the necessity of action in faith: "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." This verse highlights that genuine faith naturally results in actions that align with God's will.

The Bible also teaches that taking action should be guided by wisdom and discernment. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage emphasizes reliance on God's guidance in decision-making and action.

Practical Application
Believers are encouraged to take action in various aspects of life, including evangelism, service, and personal growth. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 calls Christians to actively make disciples of all nations. Similarly, Galatians 6:9 encourages perseverance in doing good: "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Taking action also involves addressing social injustices and helping those in need. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."

Challenges and Encouragement
While taking action can be challenging due to fear, uncertainty, or opposition, believers are encouraged to rely on God's strength and promises. Philippians 4:13 assures, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Additionally, 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds believers that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline."

In summary, taking action is a vital aspect of living out one's faith, characterized by obedience, courage, and reliance on God's guidance. Through biblical examples and teachings, believers are called to actively engage in fulfilling God's purposes in their lives and the world around them.
Topical Bible Verses
Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Topicalbible.org

James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraides not; and it shall be given him.
Topicalbible.org

1 Thessalonians 5:21
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 18:15-17
Moreover if your brother shall trespass against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone: if he shall hear you, you have gained your brother.
Topicalbible.org

1 Corinthians 13:5
Does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil;
Topicalbible.org

Library

But Origen Also, You Will Tell Us, in Composing his Work Called ...
... also, you will tell us, in composing his work called the Hexapla, adopted the asterisks,
taking them from ... How then can your action and his be said to be alike? ...
/.../36 but origen also you.htm

Seed Scattered and Taking Root
... and apparently quite unconscious of the great stride forward that he was taking,
was the ... 'Simon also himself believed.' Probably there was in his action a good ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture the acts/seed scattered and taking root.htm

The Imagination.
... It is prudent and wise to defer taking action in any serious matter until
self-composure is completely restored, until the mind is serene, the heart at peace ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter x the imagination.htm

The Life Story of Pastor Wang
... have patience. This I did, but matters only got worse, and I returned to
insist on his taking action on my behalf. Would you believe ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xiii the life story.htm

Letter xxxi (AD 1132) to the Abbot of a Certain Monastery at York ...
... the sacristan, and others named in the History before mentioned, taking nothing
from ... them, and another to Abbot Geoffrey to justify their action (Letters 94 to ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xxxi a d 1132 to.htm

While the Foregoing Scene was Taking Place at the Vatican...
... While the foregoing scene was taking place at the Vatican, Angela Sovrani, left ... wrong
balance of the intellectual forces, which in their action, should always ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxix while the foregoing scene.htm

How Titus Marched to Jerusalem, and How He was in Danger as He was ...
... Titus Marched To Jerusalem, And How He Was In Danger As He Was Taking A View O ... till
certain of them saw their general in the very midst of an action, and being ...
/.../chapter 2 how titus marched.htm

Divine Love, the Principle of all Good.
... Even at the edge of a precipice the divine action would draw it back ... understanding
accompanies such souls step by step, and prevents them taking those false ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/section ix divine love the principle.htm

Wider Wooing.
... have fullest sway in using their freedom of action as they will. And Peter's foolish
attempts are quietly overruled. They keep up the forms by taking Jesus to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/wider wooing.htm

The Translation of Living Believers.
... "Taking" is an action confined to myself. I may enter an empty room and take a book
from the table. But receiving is an action that brings in another. ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/3 the translation of living.htm

Resources
Is saying 'OMG' or words like geez still taking the Lord's name in vain? | GotQuestions.org

Do we need to be aware of the spiritual battle that is taking place around us? | GotQuestions.org

Why was God so angry at David for taking the census? | GotQuestions.org

Taking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Taking

Taking Action

Taking Advantage

Taking Care of Animals

Taking Care of Elders

Taking Care of Neighbors

Taking Care of Our Body

Taking Care of Poor

Taking Care of Siblings

Taking Care of the Earth

Taking Care of Widows

Taking Care of Your Body

Taking Care of Your Family

Taking Care of Yourself

Taking Drugs

Taking People to Court

Taking Risks

Taking Time for Yourself

Related Terms

Adjuration (2 Occurrences)

Assumption (1 Occurrence)

Fowler (3 Occurrences)

Feasting (39 Occurrences)

Relief (32 Occurrences)

Zadok (50 Occurrences)

Acceptance (24 Occurrences)

Trap (35 Occurrences)

Parting (27 Occurrences)

Broken (559 Occurrences)

Eve (5 Occurrences)

Election (6 Occurrences)

Married (152 Occurrences)

Space (98 Occurrences)

Purpose (448 Occurrences)

Crushing (93 Occurrences)

Barnabas (33 Occurrences)

Farewell (13 Occurrences)

Furnace (35 Occurrences)

Taller (7 Occurrences)

Thronged (5 Occurrences)

Tax-farmers (14 Occurrences)

Refusal (1 Occurrence)

Mincing (1 Occurrence)

Paul's (34 Occurrences)

Bondman's (3 Occurrences)

Busy (13 Occurrences)

Baskets (20 Occurrences)

Body-covers (25 Occurrences)

Bribery (2 Occurrences)

Bold (21 Occurrences)

Bite (13 Occurrences)

Cooked (35 Occurrences)

Attachment (1 Occurrence)

Arts (48 Occurrences)

Apprehension (3 Occurrences)

Animal (163 Occurrences)

Stature (22 Occurrences)

Surprise (27 Occurrences)

Suggestion (25 Occurrences)

Seems (99 Occurrences)

Sisera (18 Occurrences)

Behaviour (115 Occurrences)

Backs (46 Occurrences)

Property (212 Occurrences)

Bitter (203 Occurrences)

Supplied (22 Occurrences)

Rolled (38 Occurrences)

Blessing (357 Occurrences)

Duty (90 Occurrences)

Violently (92 Occurrences)

Attacks (45 Occurrences)

Asleep (50 Occurrences)

Pleasure (331 Occurrences)

Respect (204 Occurrences)

Chief (696 Occurrences)

Common (118 Occurrences)

Addition (112 Occurrences)

Position (189 Occurrences)

Demetrius (3 Occurrences)

Fortunes (30 Occurrences)

Evil-doers (122 Occurrences)

Fish (66 Occurrences)

Truly (468 Occurrences)

Protest (37 Occurrences)

Sleep (136 Occurrences)

Removal (42 Occurrences)

Prisoners (170 Occurrences)

Drinking (114 Occurrences)

Placed (297 Occurrences)

Faith (769 Occurrences)

Behalf (140 Occurrences)

Desires (151 Occurrences)

Persons (156 Occurrences)

Exchange (41 Occurrences)

Credit (39 Occurrences)

Along (500 Occurrences)

Putting (278 Occurrences)

Taking
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