1 Thessalonians 4:11
study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to
work with your own hands, as we commanded you
Today, I want to talk about avoiding unnecessary drama. It is easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of earthly dramas. These dramas can present themselves in many forms. It could be a gossip at the workplace, a misunderstanding within our families, or even a rift within our circle of friends. It is part of the human experience, yet it does not have to define our daily lives.
Proverbs 4:23 instructs us: "Above all else, guard
your heart, for everything you do flows from it." This verse directly
calls us to protect our hearts from the toxicity and drain that often comes
with unnecessary drama. But how do we do this in practice?
First, we must anchor ourselves in the Word of God. The
Bible is our guide, our map in navigating the labyrinth of human interactions.
When faced with enticing gossip or a brewing conflict, let's remember what the
scripture says in Proverbs 17:14: "Starting a quarrel is like breaching
a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out."
Second, let us strive to emulate the characteristics of our
Lord Jesus Christ. He embodied love, forgiveness, and understanding. In times
of conflict, let us choose to respond with love and forgiveness rather than
anger and bitterness. Ephesians 4:31-32 says, "Get rid of all
bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of
malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as
in Christ God forgave you."
Lastly, we need to choose our battles wisely. Not all
conflicts require our engagement. Sometimes, the most graceful thing we can do
is to step back, keep our peace, and let God handle it. As Romans 12:18
advises, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace
with everyone."
My dear brothers and sisters, steering clear of earthly
drama is not a path of cowardice or indifference. It is a journey of wisdom, a
testament to the strength of a guarded heart and a peaceful spirit, and a
reflection of our commitment to imitate Christ in our daily lives.
Let us pray for the strength and wisdom to navigate through
our earthly lives, keeping our hearts guarded, our minds focussed on God's
word, and our actions reflecting the love of Christ. As we go about this week, remember
that walking in His peace does not mean walking without conflict, but walking knowing
that God is our guide through every storm.