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SUBJECT: Attitude—Having a Critical Spirit
QUESTIONS: How does one know if he or she has a Critical
Spirit? What does the Bible say about having a critical
attitude?
ANSWER
How do you recognize a Critical Spirit?
Romans 14:10, 12-13
10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set
at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the
judgment seat of Christ.
12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to
God.
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but
judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an
occasion to fall in his brother's way.
Romans 14:10, 12-13
in more modern english
10 “Why do you criticize and pass judgment on your brother?
Or you, why do you look down upon or despise your brother?
For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God.
12 And so each of us shall give an account of himself - give
an answer in reference to judgment - to God.
13 Then let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgment
on one another, but rather decide and endeavor
never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance
in the way of a brother.” (The Amplified Bible)
The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines criticism as “an act
of criticizing; to judge as a critic; to find fault; to
blame or condemn.”
As we have read, the scriptures tell us not to tear down our
brethren through criticism or judgment, as this can pose a
serious stumbling-block and cause irreparable damage to
their faith.
Among God’s warnings to us in scripture, there are none more
somber or serious than His warning to not become a stumbling
block to His followers. “...whoever causes one of these
little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for
him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were
drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6).
There’s an old saying that “We tend to judge others by their
actions, and we judge ourselves by our intentions.” The
truth is, we cannot rightly judge anyone else, because we do
not know the contents of their heart. We should be content
to judge only ourselves and seek to bring our own lives in
alignment with God’s Word (1 Cor. 11:31).
What Exactly Is A Critical Spirit?
A “critical spirit,” is an obsessive attitude of criticism
and fault-finding, which seeks to tear others down — not the
same thing as what is sometimes called “constructive
criticism.” The only criticism that is ever constructive is
that which is expressed in love to “build up,” not to tear
down — it is always expressed face-to-face, never behind
their back.
The person with a critical spirit usually dwells on the
negative, seeks for flaws rather than good. They’re a
complainer, usually always upset, and generally have a
problem or a complaint about something. They often have
little control over their tongue, their temper, and have
tendencies for gossip and slander, which Paul said were sins
“worthy of death” (Romans 1:29-32).
What Causes A Critical Spirit?
1. Negativeness - A bad
attitude and a negative view of life. A person may have
unconfessed sin in their life (Rom. 2:1), or may harbor
unforgiveness or bitterness toward someone who may have
offended them (Heb. 12:15).
2. Insecurity -
Criticism is often a subconscious means to “elevate one’s
own self image.” By putting others down, they are inwardly
trying to feel more important or that “they know more.”
Jealousy toward the spiritual victories of others is often
the cause of criticism and belittling comments. Popular
ministers of the Gospel are often the target of such
tactics.
3. Immaturity -
Believers must always keep their focus upon Christ and His
Word, not man, who will often fail (Heb. 12:2). The
young or immature believer who has not progressed very far
in their own faith, remain overly dependent upon the faith
of those within the body of Christ. Unfortunately, when they
begin to notice the flaws in their brethren, subconsciously,
this becomes a threat to their own sense of victory.
Criticism becomes a reaction of disappointment, because
their expectations in others have been crushed.
4. An Unrenewed Mind -
Put-downs, making-fun-of, criticism, sarcasm are the world’s
ways of reacting to the faults of people. However, as
Christians we don’t behave this way. Our thinking and
attitude should be renewed by the Word of God, which teaches
us to bear the infirmities of the weak, to love, and show
compassion and encouragement (Rom. 12:2).
5. The Devil - As we may
realize, the Devil specializes in influencing obsessive
behavior. He may use any or all of the above channels, or
other techniques, to influence a complaining or critical
attitude to stir up turmoil and strife within the body of
Christ (Eph. 6:12). We must be on guard that none of us
would be used as a tool of the Devil to bring harassment or
discouragement upon our brothers or sisters through
continual criticism, as the Bible warns us not to “give
place” to the Devil (Eph. 4:27). Remember that Satan is
specifically called “the accuser of the brethren” (Rev.
12:10). Are you an accuser of the brethren?
The Bible says that the reason that we are to come together
as a church is, not to criticize, but to “exhort”
(encourage) one another (Hebrews 10:25). “Cursing the
darkness” won’t change anything, but we must light a candle
and “expose the light” of God’s Word. By sharing the truth
of God’s Word, and encouraging people to live in its truth,
people will change. Love and encouragement is a
“motivational force.”
If we ever hope to bring improvement in others, we need to
become people of encouragement. This is the only attitude
that will change people, and our actions and words must be
devoted to encouraging the spiritual progress of our
brethren.
The Christian’s tongue should never be used for anything but
good. “Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word, nor
unwholesome or worthless talk (ever) come out of your mouth;
but only such speech as is good and beneficial to the
spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and
the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace
(God’s favor) to those who hear it” (Eph. 4:29 The Amplified
Bible).
Prescription For A Healthy Mind
A number of years ago, Dr. David H. Fink, a psychiatrist for
the veterans administration, wrote an article for Coronet
Magazine, entitled, “Release from Nervous Tension.” In his
article, he outlined his research into the causes of mental
and emotional disturbances.
From over 10,000 case studies, he discovered that there was
a common trait with all his patients who suffered from
severe tension. They were habitual fault-finders, constant
critics of people and things around them. Those who were
free from tension, were the least critical. His conclusions
were that the habit of fault-finding is a prelude or mark of
the nervous, or the mentally unbalanced. Those who wish to
retain good emotional and mental health, should learn to
free themselves from a negative and critical attitude.
Remember this, the Bible doesn’t promise peace to those who
dwell on the faults of others! It says that the Lord will
keep them in perfect peace, whose minds are stayed on Him!
(Isaiah 26:3).
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