Less Drama! Written by Neal Bowes

Saturday

Romans 16:17-18a
¹⁷ I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. ¹⁸ For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites.

Do you know what we could all use in our lives? Less drama! That's pretty much what today's reading says.

You can probably think of a person--or two, or three--who isn't happy unless the people around him or her are unhappy.

Sometimes it's like a jealous friendship triangle, where the person expects you to be his or her best friend, which apparently means you can't have any other friends or have plans with anybody else.

Sometimes it's like the person is addicted to crises. Every day, there's a new reason why this person's world is about to fall apart. And if you're not willing to drop everything and panic too, then you're just not being supportive and are a terrible friend.

In both of these scenarios, it would seem that the person involved is insecure and has very low self esteem. As a Christian, you owe that person love and acceptance. And that person could use a good many words of encouragement and support as well as your prayers.

At the same time, be sure to not allow this person to drive a wedge between you and your other friends. It might seem easier to go along with this person's behavior, but don't sacrifice your integrity by doing that. Sometimes it's hard to strike the right balance between offering Christian love and protecting yourself and your relationships from a person's divisiveness. If you're not sure of the best way to respond, talk it over with your youth leader.

You might know a person who acts divisively. Write that person's name on a random piece of scrap paper and post it somewhere where you'll be reminded to pray for that person each day.

If today's devotion spoke to you in a particular way and you feel led to share your thoughts with others, please do so.