Dealing with Drama Like Jesus

Gossip Girls 1 by Lusi at www.freeimages.com

DRAMA!  Some folks live with perpetual drama in their lives. By drama, I mean turmoil in relationships, crisis situations, and generally making a big deal out of every issue!  Drama  involves gossip, consumed with other people’s business, excessive worry, and conflict with others.

Jesus had lots of drama surrounding his life, yet he dealt with it all in a supreme manner setting an example for us.  Here are 4 ways he dealt with it, which we should apply to our lives.

1.  Jesus set boundaries on relationships.  Most all drama is connected with relationships.  You know the couple that seems to never be at peace and enjoying one another, or the family that always keeps something stirred up between them.  Jesus’ question to his mom is a good one for all of us to consider, “What does this have to do with me?”  Many times we need to focus on our own life and not be consumed with the problems of our neighbor.  Jesus drew boundaries regarding his disciples and family.  We need to seek healthy relationships, while avoiding ones that pull us down and create conflict.  Much of the drama and stress in our lives can be removed if we will draw better boundary lines.  Be careful who you run with and remember you can’t please everyone.

2.  He was careful with his communication.  Most drama involves our speech, thus Jesus taught us to control our tongues (Mat. 12:36-37).  He controlled his words when he was angry (Mark 3:1-6; John 2:13-17), and when falsely accused during his trials.  If you want to reduce the drama in your life, listen more and talk less.  Jesus spoke honestly and was always considering his reputation.  So much drama today is connected with social media, we should consider how a post or picture will look before sharing.  Jesus also knew that there are times, when you have to move on, rather than continue to discuss (Luke 4:29-30; Mat. 10:14).

3.  He refused to focus on self-glory.  It is easy to finger point when it comes to drama.  We blame it on others.  But we need to look at our own life.  Maybe we are the common denominator with all of the drama at work, home, and church.  Drama often has to do with us feeling slighted and overlooked.  One of the amazing aspects of Jesus life is how he continually gave glory to the Father.  It was not about himself, thus he could wash the disciples feet as a slave.  We will reduce our drama and stress if we will start focusing on serving others, and quit coming up with all the ways we are being treated unfairly.

4.  He overcame crisis through trust in God.  Much of drama is over-reacting [i.e. making a mountain out of a molehill].  Drama people go from one crisis to another which isn’t healthy.  But we will have some real crisis moments in life.  Jesus lived a life with truly huge events, yet he went through this life with serenity, peace, and security.  We should not make every challenge into a crisis.  Jesus maintained his purpose and aim despite the outward circumstances.  He turned to God in trust when he faced true tests of faith and crisis.  Jesus rose above all the bickering and conflict of the day-to-day and kept his eyes on the spiritual.  He would rise early for prayer with his Father.

How will you reduce the drama in your life?

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You can listen to a sermon on this subject in the Audio Resources.