The Critic’s Choice

A critical spirit is like cancer cells. If it is not identified and corrected it will spread and kill. A classic case study of this is seen in what it did to a large group of people. When Israel was being pursued by the Egyptian army they cried out to the Lord and criticized Moses. They blamed Moses for putting them in their predicament (Ex. 14:11-12). But this was only a preview of what would prove to be the death of the nation. After having miraculously crossed the Red Sea and escaping from Pharaoh’s war chariots, all by God’s mighty hand of deliverance, Israel found fault with Moses for not providing fresh water (Ex. 15:23-24). A short time later Moses was blamed for a lack of food (Ex. 16:2). Then it was back to complaining about the lack of water (Ex. 17:1-3). The wilderness was a hostile environment but God supplied Israel with all their nutritional needs by means of a strange food called manna. It appeared on the ground every day but the Sabbath. But even this wonderful provision became the occasion for complaint (Num. 11:1). The people grew tired of their heavenly oatmeal and craved the food they had had in Egypt. Finally, the straw that broke the camel’s back occurred at a place called Kadesh-barnea (Num. 14). It was there that Israel complained over the impossibility of the task of taking the land of Canaan, the place God has promised to give them. God had heard enough of complaining Israelites. An entire generation was disciplined by the Lord. For forty years they would languish in the wilderness. All who were 20 years of age and older would die except Joshua and Caleb.

This sad story provides us with the anatomy of a critical spirit. In the first place, a complaining attitude is not caused by circumstances. It surfaces in certain situations, but it is basically a problem of the heart. Israel was critical when she didn’t have enough, when she thought she had too much, in the face of obstacles, and when things weren’t done their way. A critical spirit demonstrates a lack of contentment, a heart not thankful for the provisions of God. It focuses on the problem, not the solution. It vents itself toward those in positions of authority and responsibility. A complaining attitude is a form of blame shifting. It will not take responsibility for itself (Num. 16:41). A critical spirit is a habit not easily broken and is infectious. It is a sign of unbelief in its refusal to live by the Word of God (Psa. 106:24-25). A critical, faultfinding disposition is an infection that will do great harm if it is not overcome by God’s grace.

The place to start in starving this sinful pattern to death is to look at your record. How much of a complainer are you? Have you been told by someone else that you are very critical? Do you have a bent in that direction? There are some of us who have a very analytical kind of mind. We instinctively evaluate, trouble shoot, and are interested in how to fix what is broken. But be careful. Are we critical of all the people around us (spouse, children, employer, church, coach, teacher, neighbor, etc.)? We need to identify the contributing causes of our critical ways. Fundamentally, we can be critical and judge others wrongly because of indwelling sin (Rom. 7:17). But there can be feeders to a complaining frame of mind such as bitterness, anger at God, pride (we think we have all the answers), and jealousy. What should we do then? We will have to judge ourselves first (Matt. 71; Lk. 6:37, 41; Rom. 14:10-13). If we are going to offer any evaluation of another person and their actions (sometimes this is necessary), we have to get the log out of our own eye. It is hypocritical judging that Jesus condemns. Often a critical spirit arises out of pent up anger and an unwillingness to forgive. If we are going to pass judgment on a situation (Is it good, bad, wise, or foolish?), we will need to get the facts first. “He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him” (Prov. 18:13). We must not render a judgment until we have heard both sides. If there is someone with whom we have a complaint, we need to go to them.

It is wise to keep a healthy distance from critical people who call themselves Christians (1 Cor. 5:11 “a reviler”). A critical spirit is like the flu. It can be passed on to others. We can lovingly confront the critical person rather than succumb to their outlook on life. How easy it is to get caught up in gripe sessions. Disgruntled people can do great damage in a work place, a school, or a church. Learn to be a builder (Rom. 14:19). We need to train ourselves in the power of the Spirit to encourage people and look for ways to help them rather than just criticize them. Ask God for the grace to overlook small offenses and to be able to put off that hasty judgmental spirit that strikes out at people. Let the words of the psalmist be the choice of the critic, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psa. 141:3).

Dr. Howard E. Dial
Berachah Bible Church