Whose Directions Are You Following?

The Bible is God’s gift to us to help us know how to live a more satisfying, peaceful life that is pleasing to God. It’s for that reason that it’s so important that we make a daily habit of practicing what God tells us through His word.

Paul says in Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Ignoring the warnings here will become a recipe for all kinds of disaster. One place these negative feelings seem to reign-free is in the workplace or school. We probably see it in many forms and has become known as workplace drama. Offices and schools are filled with a bunch of trash-talking friends, free-flowing gossip, popularity contests, and exclusive cliques. It’s everywhere, and it’s a poison that too many followers of Christ have found themselves drinking-in.

James 1:26 gives us a somber warning about what this kind of negativity does to our influence for the kingdom of God: “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” We shouldn’t want to have any part of a worthless religion; so here are a few tips that might help us rise above the peer-pressure to join in the mess.

Hold your tongue! James said in James 1:19, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (Also, read James 3).

Be patient with people. Sometimes our response to someone’s “bad day” actually can create the drama we should be avoiding. 1 Thessalonians 5:13-15, “Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” Don’t feed conflict. Remember the time and place for responding. Jesus didn’t refute every false accusation against him. Sometimes we miss the point of Ephesians 5:11, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” You don’t have to respond to every email, snide remark, passing judgment – your heavenly father knows the truth about you.

Find mature people to confide in – in and out of school or the office. Just as Paul encouraged Titus to teach the older men to be “worthy of respect,” the older women are to be a positive influence on the younger women – practicing self-control. Expressing frustrations is okay, just find Godly people to lean on.

All of these things describe living different than the rest of the world. Just think of these words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:20 and then how awful it would be to be known for this kind of behavior: “For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be… I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.” Thankfully, God gives us plenty of direction on how to stop workplace drama, or any other kind of conflict that we see every day. Remember – we are “the called out” – Ekklesia!