#drama

Drama.
I like the way Urban Dictionary defines it. Making a big deal over something unnecessarily. 
I think of it as artificial hype. It's creating an issue or conflict, when there wasn't really one to begin with.
Growing up in this generation, it's pretty difficult to not get swept up in all the drama and gossip that happens around us. It's everywhere. And sadly, a lot of teens thrive on it. One of the biggest places I've noticed it is between friendships. "This person has a problem with that person. You can't invite her if so and so is going to be there. It would be awkward if he and she were at the same place." etc. etc. etc. Or in other cases people take a small situation and blow it entirely out of the water. A huge culprit for this is social media. Or rather, people that use social media. People see Facebook statuses or tweets and instantly assume its directed at them (which it probably wasn't anyway). Some people refer to this as subtweeting- basically indirectly posting something that is directed at one person or thing. Except the whole world gets to read it. Why is that a thing? Great question. And then 890 people think it's about them, and really, it's not.
Drama can damage or kill friendships. So much useless hurt would be prevented if people took their issues right to the person they have a problem with. Why text six people about it, when you could just ask the person themselves? [Side note: I no where near perfect in this area! I am guilty of almost everything I've mentioned! It's not easy to not talk behind people's backs or think mean thoughts. It's a daily process of surrendering those things to Christ.]
There obviously has to be some underlying reasons for this idea of drama. I think there are 3 big ones.
1.) Selfishness.
2.) Insecurity.
3.) Pride.
#1 Selfishness. We live in a fallen world. Naturally, we are sinful. People want what they want, when they want it. They care more about upholding their reputation than possibly hurting another friend's feelings. Some may even sacrifice close friendships in order to side with another friend, or make themselves look better. It's really sad. And we are all guilty of being selfish.
#2 Insecurity. This is a huge one. If people are insecure in who they are, they try to puff themselves up at the expense of others. People build themselves up by tearing others down. This happens all too often behind people's backs and results in a wild fire of gossip. And you know what's dumb? Most of the things said aren't even true. The words just impetuously fly out of their mouths and there is no way to get them back.
#3 Pride. Whew, pride is a sticky one. (One that has taught me quite a few lessons ;) When we think that we are better than someone else, we say and do things differently. In every situation, we have this underlying belief that we are always right. That we are more important. That we have a more significant opinion. (according to God: false, false, and false again)

How on earth do we handle, and get rid of drama? I don't think that ANY part of drama is at all glorifying to God. So how can we, as the body of believers, improve in this area?
It all starts in square one. You and God. Try examining your own heart, especially in the areas of selfishness, insecurity and pride. You have to start at the root of the problem. I found a few scriptures that relate.
Phil. 2:3 says, "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."
Proverbs 16:5 "Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished." <--- Whew, let's all take heed to that one!
Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

 The best way to not be apart of drama is just to remove yourself from the situation completely. As the electric wire company guy put it so eloquently, "Stay away, stay alive." Live in the freedom of a drama-free life. God has such a better purpose for our lives than tearing others down.