Devo:July 3 Uprooting a Critical Spirit

Daily Devotional to start the day the right way!

Memory THIS week: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; Isaiah 61:1

     First let me start by explaining that this week’s memory verse is important because as we strive to replace our grumbling heart with a content and grateful one, we need to remember we have a purpose. God has called us out, made us Holy and we are to bring the Good News to every corner of the world. Why is it important to adjust our attitude? We cannot shine His light if we harbor the darkness in our own hearts.

     Last week we covered settling ourselves into contentment with God. Again, do not get that confused with being “happy” with what you have. Contentment with God is something entirely different with an entirely different end game. This week we are going to focus on replacing our critical spirit.

     I once heard criticism compared with gardening. Criticizing others is like growing weeds; it takes no effort and will just keep growing more and more if we do not stop it. The fruit of the Spirit, however, is more like roses; it takes care and pruning and dedication to grow a beautiful, sweet smelling bush of roses. 

We often become critical of others, not because they sin, but because they don’t sin the way we do.

Read that again. We all sin. We all sin differently. Your sin is no worse than mine simply because it’s different and vice versa. This is a plank in our eyes we must recognize and promptly remove!!

Just like contentment, we must make a choice to not be critical, but rather bear the fruit of the Spirit!        So, let’s take a look at some issues today that are at the heart of the matter. As they say, the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.  How about unforgiveness? Got a grudge against someone for a wrong they’ve committed or a hurt they’ve inflicted and in your heart, you just can’t stop stoning them? (Remember I warned this trip would mean unpacking all of this stuff!) That’s unforgiveness. Now read Colossians 3:12-13. Ouch, “just as the Lord has forgiven you”. Got an excuse for the grudge? He’s got an answer for every excuse you can fathom. We can’t walk around holding a grudge against someone else and then go to God and ask for forgiveness for ourselves! That is not how this works. That is not how any of this works.

     I’m going to add to this bitterness. When we are unforgiving, we are usually very bitter also. Bitterness is like cancer on the heart. It never gets its fill, it never stops growing until it has completely consumed you. Know anyone who was dealt a raw hand in life and soon became a different person because they were consumed in bitterness? I do. Bitterness stems from pain that is not fully acknowledged with God and therefore, never completely dealt with leading to an unforgiving and critical spirit. How can you be salt, light, an ambassador of God’s grace when you can’t think of this person(s) without burning anger and resentment in your heart? You can’t be. You are stalled in No Man’s Land. This is the place where faith goes to wither and die. Read Ephesians 4:31-32.

     Today, get real with God and yourself. Drop your walls and your mask and have a real conversation about who you are still unable to forgive. Seek His wisdom and strength to do so. He knows you better than you know yourself.  Do not wait another day, another hour, or another minute. Unburden your heart and your soul from bitterness and the grudges today!