The Cost Of A Critical Attitude (5)

Miriam... began to talk against Moses... and the LORD heard this. - Numbers 12:1-2 NIV

Who will want to spend time with you if you monopolize conversation with your latest 'Top-Ten-People-to Hate-List'? Are you constantly pointing out others' weaknesses and faults? Look out! The very people you need most are the ones who'll distance you when you become known as a faultfinder.

Sometimes criticism is inadvertent. On a better day, filled with the Spirit and focused on what's right we'd never say those things. Notice how Aaron said, "We have acted foolishly" (Nu 12:11 NASB). He didn't try to defend his position by saying, "Yes, Moses did marry the wrong person" or "We should have more prominence." No, he realized his position then repented and retreated from it. And you must do that too! Why? Because criticism blocks the flow of God's blessing!

Oswald Chambers wrote, "Whenever you're in a critical temper, it is impossible to enter into communion with God." That's a sobering thought. The momentary relief you get from criticizing others isn't worth the loss of God's presence, is it? To restore the flow of God's blessing you need to confess and forsake your critical attitude, then replace it with a loving one. Why don't you pray: "Lord, forgive me for thinking that my perspective is always right. I acknowledge my arrogance. Give me grace in dealing with others. Help me to celebrate differences and not demand that everyone sees things exactly as I do. Give me victory over my critical attitude today. In Jesus name - Amen."