I have learned a lot over the years through bumper stickers. I know that the back side of a rusty pickup is not the best place from which to glean wisdom, but sometimes you read a line or two that seems to put things into perspective in a way that, perhaps, you had never before considered. Today, I came across such a bumper sticker. A white late model Ford pickup was in front of me on the corner of Highway 6 and Brooks Street. I pulled up behind it and happened to glance at the blue sticker with white writing - the adhesive of which was likely at least partially responsible for holding the tailgate in one piece - and it read: "Drama is NOT the fruit of the spirit"
I wanted desperately to find out where this sticker was purchased. I loved the message. It said, rather plainly, what I have been trying to say for some time now.
I have friends, and a few family members, who thrive on drama. Something has to always be going on. And if nothing is going on, they make something up to get things started. They crave the chaos and insanity that comes along with crisis. Me? I'd rather be lame and boring. In fact, I really like it when my dad calls and asks what's going on, and all I can talk about is the weather. There is a lot to be said for boring. Especially when I know I have folks in my life that are in a frenzy over something... all... the... time.
Not every situation you experience should become a Lifetime movie. Sometimes, even when things are uncomfortable or awkward, you can just move past it without making it a bigger deal than it needs to be. Drama is just Satan's foothold - it starts with being dramatic, but then you forget where your blessings come from... and Satan starts slowly weaseling his way into your heart. Don't give him the chance. Don't roll the welcome mat out for him. Instead, when things get tough, get going... to God.
Friends, if the fruit of the spirit is, as Paul describes, love, joy, and peace, then let us eat of that fruit. Let us partake of the fruit that brings our hearts closer to God, not closer to ruined relationships. Let us see the positive in a situation, emphasizing not how we were wronged or what injustices we see, but how our Heavenly Father must think we are strong enough to endure these challenges. Let us not take pride in the sufferings of others (or ourselves), but rejoice in all that God has done that is good. The fruit of the Spirit is NOT drama. It is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control... so exercise some: save the drama for the movies.
I wanted desperately to find out where this sticker was purchased. I loved the message. It said, rather plainly, what I have been trying to say for some time now.
I have friends, and a few family members, who thrive on drama. Something has to always be going on. And if nothing is going on, they make something up to get things started. They crave the chaos and insanity that comes along with crisis. Me? I'd rather be lame and boring. In fact, I really like it when my dad calls and asks what's going on, and all I can talk about is the weather. There is a lot to be said for boring. Especially when I know I have folks in my life that are in a frenzy over something... all... the... time.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23
Not every situation you experience should become a Lifetime movie. Sometimes, even when things are uncomfortable or awkward, you can just move past it without making it a bigger deal than it needs to be. Drama is just Satan's foothold - it starts with being dramatic, but then you forget where your blessings come from... and Satan starts slowly weaseling his way into your heart. Don't give him the chance. Don't roll the welcome mat out for him. Instead, when things get tough, get going... to God.
Friends, if the fruit of the spirit is, as Paul describes, love, joy, and peace, then let us eat of that fruit. Let us partake of the fruit that brings our hearts closer to God, not closer to ruined relationships. Let us see the positive in a situation, emphasizing not how we were wronged or what injustices we see, but how our Heavenly Father must think we are strong enough to endure these challenges. Let us not take pride in the sufferings of others (or ourselves), but rejoice in all that God has done that is good. The fruit of the Spirit is NOT drama. It is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control... so exercise some: save the drama for the movies.
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