Tag Archives: judgmental attitudes

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – The Critical Mind

Leave a comment

Joyce meyer

[Jesus said] A good (healthy) tree cannot bear bad (worthless) fruit, nor can a bad (diseased) tree bear excellent fruit [worthy of admiration]. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire. Therefore, you will fully know them by their fruits. —Matthew 7:18–20

Have you ever met someone who had “the gift of suspicion”? They are everywhere—even in church. Recently I heard a man commenting about such a woman in his church. He said she always seemed to think the worst of everyone. If someone did something generous, she would say, “What does he expect to get out of that? I suppose he wants us all to bow and thank him.”

On one occasion, someone commented about what a friendly, happy person an usher was. “That’s his public face,” the woman said. “He’s always smiling, but I’ll bet when he gets home and away from everyone else, he doesn’t smile like that.”

He went on to say if someone chided her for her critical attitude, the woman only responded by saying, “I just call things as I see them. You’re always trying to make things look better than they are.”

The man finally realized that it wasn’t good for him to be around her, and he began to distance himself from her as much as possible.

I believe this man made a good decision. I have discovered during my years in ministry that when someone with a critical spirit comes into a group or a meeting, it doesn’t take much for others to become infected with it. It reminds me of the saying about one bad apple spoiling the whole bushel.

Over the years, I’ve met people who were very much like this lady. They’re often tormented by their judgmental attitudes, critical spirits, and suspicious minds. They also destroy many relationships by their words.

Matthew 7:18 says these “bad fruits” tell us a lot about the “tree,” but that doesn’t give us the right to judge. We must remember that no one is perfect—each of us is a work in progress. While it may be wise not to be too closely associated with such people, we must be careful that we don’t judge them according to our standards and beliefs. We must pray for them and keep a godly attitude. Part of being a loving, caring Christian is to realize that people may not see things in this life exactly as we do. We are not all at the same level of Christian maturity, but we can be sure that God knows everything about each one of us. We must leave any judging to the only righteous judge—Jesus Christ.

James writes: “[My] brethren, do not speak evil about or accuse one another. He that maligns a brother or judges his brother is maligning and criticizing the Law and judging the Law. But if you judge the Law, you are not a practicer of the Law but a censor and judge [of it]. One only is the Lawgiver and Judge Who is able to save and to destroy [the one Who has the absolute power of life and death]. [But you] who are you that [you presume to] pass judgment on your neighbor?” (James 4:11–12).

Paul asks, “Who are you to pass judgment on and censure another’s household servant? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he shall stand and be upheld, for the Master (the Lord) is mighty to support him and make him stand” (Romans 14:4).

Dear heavenly Father, forgive me for criticizing others. I know that You are the only one who is qualified to judge Your children. Help me remember that all of us, including me, must give account of ourselves to You—and only to You. Help me, Lord Jesus, to bear good fruit in my own life that will bring glory to You. Amen.

Uncategorized

Charles Stanley – Living By Conviction

3 Comments

 

In Bible stories, believers often hold firmly to godly standards, despite the odds against them. The courage they displayed sometimes intimidates us. We wonder how we can faithfully follow our convictions to the same degree. But the Spirit who indwells us has the power and desire to bring about great change in our character and perspective. Only with His help can we honor the Lord with our lives.

A. The Fruit of Self-effort

As believers, we sometimes get the impression that we are responsible to live by godly values in our own strength.

According to 2 Corinthians 5:21, what is the basis of our righteousness?

In our naturalness, we cannot produce holiness, no matter how much effort we put forth. This can lead to great frustration. It is necessary to understand that when we trust Christ as Savior, His Holy Spirit takes up residence within us. As we yield to the Spirit, He produces godly fruit through us.

Note: “Flesh” refers not only to a person’s physical body but also to the part of our soul that wants to live independently of the Lord.

Describe the typical fruit of the flesh (Gal. 5:19).

When people try to be holy in their own strength, they might find partial success. However, the by-products of such effort can include pride, selfishness, legalism, exhaustion, and judgmental attitudes.

When have you realized you’ve tried to attain righteousness on your own?

What were the results of your efforts to be holy?

B. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Part of fallen human nature is to desire control, to do things ourselves. However, when it comes to righteousness—whether for salvation or for living—we must allow God to do the work.

Summarize what Galatians 2:20 and 3:3 say about the relationship between faith and living for God.

Faith, which is believing God will do as He promised, isn’t something we drum up inside ourselves. Our role is to go about our lives—making decisions, handling crises, raising our families, and so on—as if God will keep His word.

The story of David’s battle against Goliath is a wonderful illustration of faith. The giant had threatened the army of Israel, leaving them paralyzed with fear.

What was David’s perspective (1 Sam. 17:26, 45-47)?

Notice that David did what he knew how to do, while trusting God to handle the rest.

Think of a challenge or problem you face. What is your role?

What is God’s part?

C. Responding in Faith

David walked into the valley in response to what he believed God would do, not in reaction to his circumstances.

What previous experiences gave David confidence that God would deliver Goliath into his hands (1 Sam. 17:37)?

People either react to temptation or respond to it, based on God’s truth.

When you are face to face with a “giant,” such as lust or jealousy, do you find yourself thinking something like this: Oh, God, I know walking away is the right thing to do. But I’m not sure I can do it?

If so, you may be trying to rely on your own ability to become righteous.

The answer is to pray something like this: Oh, God, this is too big for me to handle, but I trust You to help me respond properly.  Faith is a signal for the Holy Spirit to go into action.

The time for deciding how to handle temptation is before we face it. Then we are more likely to stick to our convictions. No, we can’t predict every challenge. But most of us fight the same battles day after day, week after week.

What are the temptations you face on a daily or weekly basis?

Take time to plan how you can do your part to resist every choice that compromises biblical values.

Closing: To experience success over the specific giants in your life, start by declaring victory over them each morning. Think through the pressures you are likely to feel. Item by item, thank God for the victory (see the prayer below). In doing so, you activate your faith and avoid pursuing righteousness in your own power. Remember, Christ died not only to pay your sin-debt, but also to enable your success. With His help, you can become a believer who faithfully lives according to biblical principles.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I ask You to make me into a Christian who demonstrates godly values in every situation. I trust You to produce self-control in me. I cannot handle the challenges to come, but You can. When the pressure comes, remind me that the battle is Yours. Amen.