It doesn’t take much effort to conjure up an uncomfortably clear mental picture of drama – what it looks like, how it behaves, and the results of engaging in it. And yet, the juiciest piece of gossip or latest thrill featured on social media cannot compare to the greatest adventure of all – knowing and loving Jesus! Leslie defines how to live a “quiet and peaceable life” as Christian women in the 21st century and gives you key practicals to keep from participating in a high-drama lifestyle.
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Key Scriptures
1 Thessalonians 4:11
1 Timothy 5:13
Hebrews 12:14
Romans 12:18
Titus 2:4
Podcast Summary
Minding our own business is a virtue that is almost lost in our society today, and Christian women everywhere could avoid a lot of heartache if we understood the principle of simply tending to that which God has given us to steward and not sticking our nose into where it doesn’t belong.
If we were as dutiful to cultivating our relationship with Christ as we were in knowing all of the details of the latest engagement story or social media hype, we would discover that the greatest adventure of all is solving the beautiful mystery of God’s nature, pattern, and ways. Walking forward in the good works He has prepared in advance for us to walk in (see Ephesians 2:10) is of greater value than being tuned into the latest happenings of celebrities’ personal lives. God’s Truth is endless — there is not getting to the bottom of how amazing He is and therefore, following Him only gets more exciting and fulfilling with each increasing day!
As a whole, women are naturally drawn to drama and while knowing the details of life events or important things that are occurring in our lives is not bad and can even add sparkle, depth, and meaning to them, information overload can make us susceptible to drama. Pop-culture is a great example of this! Entertainment, social media, and the like prey upon women of all ages with tantalizing drama that entices us to waste our time on things like shallow romance novels, reality TV, and endless scrolling on social media feeds.
One of the easiest places for drama to spread and gain a following is in the area of gossip. Many of us remember the classic character Rachel Lynde from Anne of Green Gables who was a notorious busybody. Her character portrays the epitome of a femininity that is the opposite of dignified, kind, or beautiful. The bottom line — there is nothing noble about a woman who is a gossip or a busybody.
How to Exchange Drama for a Christ-Built Existence:
- Purse a Peaceful and Quiet Life
The term “quiet and peaceable” in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 denotes a “tranquil heart and mind that is at rest from unnecessary fretting, worrying, and barging into other people’s business. This means purposefully not stirring up drama, engaging in gossip, or taking offense easily. The key is not to allow emotions to get the better of us in any situation but to deliberately choose, by the grace of God, to control our reactions by His Spirit and submit our emotions to Him rather than act on our melodramatic whims and feelings. Begin practicing to pray for those who hurt you and tell yourself, “No drama!” if necessary in order to choose the path of peace that lays before you.
2. Mind Your Own Business
Knowing all of the details can all too easily get us into trouble. Simply put, it’s not honoring to God when we have to know everything about everyone. As a result, it is not uncommon for women to have trouble investing in their family because they are consumed with social media, entertainment, and the details of others’ lives. Instead, focus the majority of your time and energy into your relationship with Jesus Christ instead of deliberately planting yourself in other people’s drama. Be watchful that drama isn’t creeping in under the banner of being a listening ear or helping others. If you are wondering if a certain activity or conversation is pulling you into unhealthy information follow this simple tip: when in doubt, walk away. It’s always better to spend time in the presence of your King then wonder if you are giving sway to gossip.
3. Work With Your Own Hands
These ideas can help you to know how to steward the life God has entrusted to you:
- Cultivate your relationship with Christ
- Study the Bible
- Reach out to help those around you
- Serve those God has put in your life
- Do not give way to idleness
- Remember there is a dying world in desperate need of the hands and feet of Christ
Final Thoughts
The mystery of godliness is a never-ending frontier of adventure, discovery, fulfillment, and joy. I encourage you to leave the temporal human sagas behind and follow hard after the real adventure of following Jesus!
Recommended Resources
- Visit our website SetApartGirl.com for other encouraging, practical resources to help you live a poured-out life!
