A Critical Spirit

Our church is currently doing a series entitled "Is it you, is it me, or is it us?". We have been discussing how "relationally challenged" people are today (including Christians--we look no different than the secular world). People are "connected" technologically speaking, but the depth is just not there in many relationships. The messages we have heard so far have been amazing--very thought-provoking for me. I feel like we are hitting on subjects that are so relevant to what is happening with people these days and it has really inspired me to be better at "connecting" personally and deeply with people who God has brought into my life.

The message last Sunday zeroed in on the critical spirit of our society today. "This fast food is not fast enough", "This waiter is horrible, what bad service", "Why is she wearing that outfit?", "This worship music just doesn't put me in the mood", etc. We are all so naturally inclined to be critical, however subtle it may seem. We looked at Luke 18:9-14--the parable of the pharisees and the tax collector and discussed the fact that those who "exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted". We talked about truly encouraging one another and considering others better than ourselves. I have studied this before, but it seems so applicable to me now, I guess, more than ever. I just feel like I need to make every effort to be a more sacrificing person, a more humble person, and mostly just to truly invest in others. I also need to make every effort not to fall into the trap of being critical and judgemental. I need to focus on encouraging others and truly finding value in what everyone else has to offer. We as Christians have a great responsibility to continue the work that Jesus began and we can only be respected if we truly humble ourselves before Him and others.