Get Action (Active vs. Passive Time)

Passivity

Passive activities are activities of consumption. The positive impact of these activities on the world around you is minimal (i.e. social media, TV, surfing the web, video games). Most passive activities involve sitting alone, motionless in a room.

Action

Activities of action are activities of creation. They have a purpose and a goal (i.e. drawing, playing music, sports, writing, talking with friends). Most activities of action require you to get up and move. They utilize and build skills, which leads to learning, exercise, and positive change. It’s about creation and exertion.

Action carries purpose and builds us and others up. Passivity is just about passing time, and if you’re not careful, you’ll end up passing your life away.

Do an Activity Audit

Think about your average work day and your average day off. Make a chart: action on one side, passivity on the other. Record all your activities and the approximate time you spend doing each. What is your ratio of active versus passive time?

The Consequence of a Passive Life

If you spend too much time in passive activity, you will end up passively pursuing the lust of your heart.

We were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), meaning that we were created to create. We were created for action. When we become trapped in a passive, consumer lifestyle, we lack fulfillment in our lives. We make up for that with unhealthy habits and relationships.

Exercise // Find a Non-Screen Time Hobby

Answer the following questions:

• How much screen time do you have each day?

• What are you doing to enjoy life? Are you pursuing any hobbies?

• What are you excited about in the near future: next week, month, or year?

• What is something you enjoy doing (hobby) that you haven't done in a long time?

• Complete the sentence: I wish I knew how to __________ . Now, go and learn how to do it.