Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Breaking Away

Don't criticize one another, brothers.  He who criticizes a brother or judges his brother criticizes the law and judges the law.  But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor (James 4:11-12)

From experience, we know that it is easier to criticize than to correct; we understand that it is easier to find faults than solutions; and we realize that excessive criticism is usually destructive, not productive.  Yet the urge to criticize others remains a powerful temptation for most of us.  Our task, as obedient believers, is to break the twin habits of negative thinking and critical speech.

In the book of James, we are issued a clear warning: "Don't criticize one another, brothers" (v 4:11).  Undoubtedly, James understood the paralyzing power of chronic negativity, and so must we.  Negativity is highly contagious: we give it to others who, in turn, give it back to us.  Thankfully, this cycle can be broken by positive thoughts, heartfelt prayers, and encouraging words.

As you examine the quality of your communications, can you honestly say that you are an encourager and not a critic?  If so, keep it up.  But if you are one of those people who is occasionally (or frequently) overwhelmed by negativity, and if you pass that negativity along to your neighbors, it is time for a mental housekeeping.

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7)

You can use the transforming power of Christ's love to break the chains of negativity.  Think positively, give heartfelt prayers, encourage others, and above all else, ask Jesus to guide your every word that it may be pleasing to him.

Many blessings to you this day.  God loves you and so do I.

Pastor Jim

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