Exit Stage Left! (Avoiding Drama)

“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.” 2 Timothy 2:23

Remember the 1959 Hanna-Barbera cartoon character Snagglepuss? He was best known for his catchphrase, “Heavens to Murgatroyd!” followed by his signature move as he exclaimed “Exit, stage left!” Snagglepuss’ character was constantly trying to make his home more habitable for himself, often dashing off to escape some threatening situation or circumstance. Hard as he try though, he always wound up back where he started or sometimes even worse off than he was before. As Christians living in this current culture, is it possible that we keep winding up in the same place (or worse) because we have not learned how to run from evil? (1 Thess 5:21-22).

Current events, coupled with the rise of social media and live streaming, have opened up a Pandora’s Box of contention, arguing, cruelty, crude language and all manners of evil. (Romans 1:29-32). As followers and servants of Christ, our language is to be God honoring and filled with life. (1 Peter 1:15).

We can avoid a lot of heartache if we’d just remember to “Exit, stage left” and apply the Word of God when we are tempted to engage in the drama of life.

D)-Don’t Engage: Sometimes silence really is golden. Do not argue with a fool, it is fruitless. (Proverbs 26:4).

R)-Resist Commenting: In an age where anyone can say whatever they desire, seemingly without consequence, remember that for the Christian our words are to be a fountain of life. (Proverbs 10:11).

A)-Avoid Meaningless Chatter: As Christians we are to build one another up, not chime in with those who destroy with their words. (Ephesians 4:29).

M)-Mind Your Own Business: Stay out of arguments and senseless comments. Don’t get sucked into talking nonsense and trying to defend what you ought not to defend. (1 Thess 4:11).

A)-Always Pray: Pray first that you not be enticed to conform to the current world culture. (Romans 12:2). Then commit to pray for others, that they may come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, replacing the drama of life with the deliverance found in Christ. Your kind and gentle words (and sometimes your silence) speak volumes to the compassion of Christ. Next time you’re tempted to engage in senseless drama, lift your eyes to Heaven, breathe a silent prayer, and then do the Snagglepuss “Exit, stage left!” You’ll be glad you did.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, let my words be few, in Jesus’ Name, amen.