Stop the Drama - Part 2

(a blog series on stopping the drama through living through the power of Christ's forgiveness in relationships.

When it comes to drama, we cannot live with continual conflict between relationships and honor God. 

First we have to realize we are part of the problem and admit it. Denial is a killer when it comes to stopping the drama. If we admit we are a part of the problem, how do we begin resolving conflict between relationships?

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9

How to stop the drama?

(2) Ask for forgiveness to those who you have hurt. Asking forgiveness is not natural. It is natural to be prideful. We think we are right. We think we do not need anyone because we are all sufficient. The definition of forgiveness in the Word Study Dictionary states, “To loose, loosen what is fast, bound, meaning to unbind, untie.” In the realm of life dealing with tough situations and relationships, our belief in forgiveness will be tested.

Jesus said, “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God." Matthew 5:23-24.

Jesus said, “You’ve heard that the law of Moses [what we know now as the Old Testament] love your neighbor and hate your enemy. Then Jesus comes along. But I say love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you.”  Matt. 5:43-44

If we do not forgive others, our worship is hindered. God views us through how we treat other people. If we harbor bitterness it affects our worship. Instead of worshipping God with pure hearts we idolize our rights in order to be "right." Forgiveness is more than a momentary choice in time, but a lifestyle of releasing people and situations to God. A great question to ask is, "how can I please and honor Jesus in this situation?"

As followers of Christ, our goal should be peacemaking. We should pray for those who are our enemies. Why? Obedience to Jesus. A person who learns to life outside of drama says, "I will give forgiveness to those who have hurt me and I will ask for forgiveness for any hurts I’ve  done to others."

Stop the Drama - Part 1

(a blog series on stopping the drama through living through the power of Christ's forgiveness in relationships). Drama, drama, drama! I hear it from students, parents, family, the news, Facebook, twitter, and more! Drama is a multi-million dollar business.  Watch TV for a few minutes and you will agree.

One of my students asked the question, "Why did God create drama?" I thought it was a good and insightful question. First, God did not create drama. He created a perfect, harmonious world with perfect relationships. It all crumbled when drama entered the story when Adam and Eve decided to disobey God in the Garden of Eden. Sin entered the world and drama quickly became the movie trailer for Cain and Abel and their descendants.

“It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” Proverbs 20:3 (NIV)

How do we stop the drama?

(1) Admit that you start drama. A lot of people, including myself are quick to point the finger. What I find amusing about drama is that we get upset with other people's drama. But, we never realize that we are living off of our own drama! I hear the statement a lot, "they are a drama queen" or "all they do is thrive on drama!" Honestly, we all struggle with drama. Some have different levels than others, but we all have the sinful nature. The irony of people pointing out the drama-starting in others is the fact they are gossiping. Admit you are a part of it and stop blaming others for your lack of self-control. Quick tip: You might want to stop writing on Facebook/twitter about how everyone else is wrong. We all struggle, no person is without blame on starting drama.

We should always ask the question, "What does God's Word say about it?"

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

Family minute: Parents are you raising up or just supporting your family? Students learn by what is taught By example rather than the false statement, “do as I say, not as I do." Parents need to set the spiritual direction in the home, especially in dealing with drama. Do you teach your family to forgive those who hurt you? Do you teach your family to get even? The family is the greatest example of learning how to stop the drama!

Who are you constantly starting drama with in your life? Are you are peacemaker or an instigator? 

Resolve to Trust

Happy new year! The normal approach to every new year is re-evaluate life. I tend to dislike resolutions because many times they only last about a month. My desire is to resolve to trust God with my whole heart. I want to align my heart with God's heart more than ever. What about you? If you are like me, you look for tangible, "ah-ha" moments in order to know God's direction. We can't wait for the next event, service, message or signs to point us toward God's will! Our culture around us easily puts us into a mold that wants instant results that are comfortable and convenient. We live in a fast-food, microwave, calendar-packed society.  The world teaches us to trust in our own abilities, money, or a career. I know I have been held hostage before by trying to figure life out on my own strength. It takes me a while to make decisions. I like to weigh the pros/cons and get advice and more. Deciding on lunch is even hard for me! Bigger decisions in life (Where do I go to college? What career do I pursue, what is God's will for my life?) are much more difficult for all of us.

The essence of spiritual growth begins and ends with trusting God. God's will and direction is not always a place, position, relationship, college degree, salary or title. It is much more about the relationship with God than it is the result of our answered prayers from God.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says this: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." (NLT)

The word for trust is, "betach." It is used in the Old Testament to mean to physically lean upon something for support; and figuratively to rely upon someone or something for help or protection. The "heart" is not talking about our physical, blood-pumping heart organ. It refers to the center of our mind, will and emotions. Do we simply give God lip service but refuse to trust Him when it is difficult? I know many times I have missed what it means to trust with all of my heart. God's Will is seeking after the relationship with God more than the answers we are seeking.

Trusting God simply says "yes" to God in every area of our mind, will and emotion. What would life look like if we quit worrying about what we cannot control and trust God?

In order to resolve to trust, begin asking yourself these questions:

Mind: Is my thought life renewed daily by scripture? Romans 12:1-2 Will: Am I willing to do whatever God asks of me? Emotion: Am I controlled by my feelings or trusting in what God's Word says?