Meeting 11/16/19
Critical Spirit
The critical spirit is actually yet another perversion of God’s purity and truth. God set eternity in the hearts of mankind and we long for the perfection of heaven. When something or someone doesn’t live up to that standard on Earth, we get critical or negative. That’s the critical spirit taking root. And it can be a stubborn weed to eradicate. Our world is chocked full of things that are less than desirable and not up to their potential. It’s still a fallen place to exist, after all.
Jesus lived in the world, but wasn’t of the world. He was around the injustice and unfairness, yet never sinned. He didn’t let the critical spirit ever take root. So, we have a choice…
The list of issues that lead to a critical spirit is long, and includes fear, worry, anxiety, selfishness, pride, insecurity, doubt, unbelief, lack of faith, and inconfidence. Just think of all the references in the Word of God about these subjects. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Prov. 4:23. We need to set a security guard over our hearts to prevent the critical spirit from worming its way in. But wait! We do have a security guard! Aha! The Holy Spirit miraculously lives within the saved disciple of Christ! And make no mistake, not a single one of us can be conformed into His image without His help. Not a single one of us can have a good heart without His protection and influence. It’s not possible, so please don’t even try to do it on your own. Start today, realizing the presence of the Holy Spirit and begin depending on Him to be your help.
This world is thick with the devil’s critical spirit and it will eat you up over time. You don’t have to look very far or wait very long for bad news to pop up, or something unjust to surface, or some drama to unfold. You will get your opportunities to practice and make your choices, I guarantee it! Dare I say, our responses to these critical situations that potentially lead to critical hearts are critical? Yes, indeed! When we face a disturbing situation, we can go down the path of being judgmental, negative, complaining, grumbling, ungrateful, and unforgiving. “I want to be different,” by Micah Tyler, says it very well. I want to be that light in a dark world. I want to love, forgive, give grace, be positive, have faith, believe, trust God’s sovereignty, and be thankful. That’s what Jesus did. He didn’t ignore imperfection, but He didn’t let it turn his heart bitter or jaded. That’s being conformed into His image looks like. Bring it, Lord. You have my permission. Root out the critical spirit deep within my heart. I want to be different. I want to be changed.
