How does one distinguish a time for inaction from a time for action before have chosen to act or not act?

Question

I hope the question is clear enough.

Answer 1

There is a time for inaction which is before or during the time one is weighing the options and deciding whether or not this is the time for action, or whether or not a body at rest ought to remain at rest or whether it ought to be acted upon by another body, since, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, which must be considered on several levels before making any decision, or whether or not this is the right time to choose to make a decision, which is an action in itself, which may call for a choice to inaction, which is always an option in any action previously decided upon....
Clear as mud!!

Answer 2

As a Christian, I always pray and ask Holy Spirit to guide me with the decisions I have to make. Waiting upon the Lord is difficult, but when I submit my will to His Will, it always turns out for the best. Notice, I said best ... not necessarily what I WANTED. Knowing when to take action is also a sign of maturity. It also depends on what the occasion is. If it's a crisis situation, I must act quickly, but I still utter a quick prayer for courage and strength to meet it. It's a comfort to know God is with me always and when I give my life into His hands, He guides me in the path I am to travel through this life. The non-religious answer is: "wait ... because nothing remains the same .... it either gets better or worse ....thus determines your action.

Answer 3

It's not but I'll answer it anyway.

A time for inaction is when the percieved cost of acting is greater than the percieved benefit of acting. A time for action is when at least some cost of acting is close to zero, or when the percieved benefit of acting is very high.

The times when you can't tell the difference are when it's ambiguous or difficult to determine exactly what the cost of acting is, and exactly what the benefit of acting is. In general, in any case in which you would be in a "case for inaction scenario" it is usally prudent to simply act in the least costly way: further analysis is in and of itself an action of some sort, but does not traditionally have a very high associated cost.

Answer 4

Your question is confusing, is there a reason for that? I find that people who are questioning with words like you have just done, are trying to "trip" people up so you can prove your point. Why not prove your point upfront instead of clouding the question up with a pile of words? You distinguish according to how you feel. If it's not worth getting your panties in a bunch then don't act. Of course, if you're acting with violence then you should not act at all. If you are using words then use the best ones you've got.

Answer 5

Following the leading of the Holy Ghost would be the best thing.

Answer 6

You weigh the consequences, and the circumstances of each and every decision you make and that tells you what to do, and when to do it. If you are young, or inexperienced, you ask questions of more experienced people and add that into your equation then you pray, and ask God and do as you are told.

Answer 7

I rely on well-honed instincts based on past experiences.

Unfortunately, however, I all too often live the words of Alice (Alice in Wonderland) when she says, "I often give myself very good advice, but I very seldom follow it."

Having instinct must be balanced with actually FOLLOWING those instincts.

Answer 8

well we get the gist of it...I think if you feel the need to act for whatever reason just go with your gut instinct, it will most likely be the right action so you don't riddle yourself with guilt.

Answer 9

instinct? it's one of those split second deals where you "decide" should I stay or should I go. fight or flight? i guess it also depends on the severity of the situation. is someone in danger or are the gonna look funny after that bucket of water lands on them?

Answer 10

I guess you have to take time to chose whether to act or not to act!@