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A Critical Attitude Can Cost You – Part 5

Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. "Has the LORD spoken only through Moses?" they asked. "Hasn't he also spoken through us?" And the LORD heard this. Numbers 12:1-2

Who wants to spend time with somebody who constantly monopolizes the conversation by updating you on their Top Ten People to Hate list? Staying home and watching old movie re-runs on TV is more appealing than that dinner party. Look out! The very people you need most are the ones who'll distance you when you become known as a fault-finder!

But 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...' (Numbers 12:11). 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's impossible to enter into communion with God.' That's a scary 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…

Prayer
'Lord, forgive me for thinking that my perspective is always right. I acknowledge that as arrogance. Give me grace in dealing with others. Help me to celebrate our differences and not demand that the whole world see things exactly as I do. Give me victory over my critical attitude today. In Jesus’ Name - Amen.'