“Criticism plugs the flow of God’s blessing.”

A thought by James MacDonald (2015-06-18) from his book, Lord, Change My Attitude: Before It's Too Late (p. 136). Moody Publishers. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title of the book to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

Have you ever taken a shower and started noticing that the drain is plugged up and the water won’t drain?  That can be a problem can’t it?  Well, James says, “Criticism plugs the flow of God’s blessings in our life.” 

James quotes Oswald Chambers who made a brilliant observation: “Whenever you are in a critical temper, it is impossible to enter into communion with God.”  Have you noticed that?

James goes on, “That’s a scary thought! Criticism makes us hard and vindictive and cruel. It leaves us with the flattering notion that we are superior persons. It is impossible to develop the characteristics of a saint and at the same time maintain a critical attitude. Criticism harms our relationship with God and others, and that will block the flow of God’s blessing.”

He then says, “I have observed a pattern over the past five years as a number of people have come to Harvest Bible Chapel from other churches. They have arrived wounded, tired, and sometimes angry. My primary concern has not been about their critical attitude as new members. What I’m concerned about is the critical attitude they might have toward the churches that they left. Perhaps things were said during their departure that caused injuries. If they have brought hurts, frustrations, and unresolved conflicts with them from their past experiences, these may come out in continual criticism that will poison them and their new relationships. There is a solution: The offense must be addressed. Thus, I regularly challenge new people, in Jesus’ name, to write a letter or make a phone call in order to settle past offenses. I would challenge you also: If criticism from past emotional injuries has leaked into your family, you must find a way to apply healing. If your kids know your frustration and have heard your negative attitude toward others, you are injuring them spiritually. Please remember that our children get a lot of their early attitudes from us.”

Maybe you too have found this to be a problem?

James says, “God wants to help us bear the pain when others sin against us. I had to learn that when the pain of criticism shows up in wrong attitudes to those around me, I have not really taken my burden to the Lord. First Peter 5 speaks of the pain of false accusation and unjust treatment, telling us to cast our cares upon Him, because He cares for us (see verse 7). That’s what breaks the chains of criticism from others and keeps a critical spirit from growing in us.”

Do you see how this can unplug the flow of God’s blessing?