Welcome to the World of a Pastor

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Pastoral Theology Course Notes
Lesson Eleven

Lesson One
Lesson Two
Lesson Three
Lesson Four
Lesson Five
Lesson Six
Lesson Seven
Lesson Eight
Lesson Nine
Lesson Ten
Lesson Eleven
Lesson Twelve
Lesson Thirteen
Lesson Fourteen
Lesson Fifteen
Lesson Sixteen
Lesson Seventeen
Lesson Eighteen
Lesson Nineteen
Lesson Twenty
Lesson Twenty-one
Lesson Twenty-two
Lesson Twenty-three
Lesson Twenty-four
Lesson Twenty-five
Lesson Twenty-six
Lesson Twenty-seven

What about the Critical Spirit?

As fundamental believers we are often labeled hard-headed, narrow minded, and overly critical. Being in the battle in a wicked hour produces a certain amount of these attributes. When you are surrounded by evil, compromise, and apostasy, a certain amount of condescension and cynicism arises in all of us. But how much of this critical spirit is of God? What is it going to produce? What does it say to a lost world about God?

Benjamin Disraeli put it real well when he said, "It is much easier to be critical than to be correct." 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" (Rom. 1:29-32).

A Critical Spirit is a Cover-up. Many think being critical is a sign of their intelligence and spiritual prowess. Certainly one of the downside of education is the trap it creates in the area of critical rather than constructive thinking. Our critical spirit in many cases is a manifestation of the fact that we think more highly of ourselves and our opinions than we should. Proverbs 21:2 says, "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes." The overly critical spirit is a mask for our wicked pride in many cases. 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." The root of a lot of this is jealousy toward the spiritual victories of others. The blessings of God seemed to have produced a critical spirit in many. What a shame.

A Critical Spirit is Deceptive. Oswald Chambers said, "Criticism leaves you with the flattering unction that you are a superior person. It is impossible to develop the characteristics of a saint and maintain a critical attitude." It’s been my personal experience that the most critical people I know are covering up the most in their personal lives.

A Critical Spirit is Dangerous. One of the preeminent dangers of our critical spirit is the effect it will have on our faimily. Children learn what they observe.

If children live with a parent with a critical spirit, they will have it as well. I marvel at how a critical wife can spoil a good natured husband. God help us to overcome the criticaal spirit.