Becoming Strong and Sturdy Like an Oak of Righteousnessનમૂનો

Day 3: Critical Spirit and Condemnation

Recognizing the critical spirit chokes the growth of our planting and leads to condemnation of ourselves and others. The answer is the yoke of Jesus.

Introduction:

What is the enemy of freedom and spirit-led living? What chokes our planting and the strong immovable roots grounded in God? It is a critical spirit, which leads to condemnation of ourselves and others. Judgement is at the root of the critical spirit. If you are honest, judgement of people, stands at the top of your critical spirit. We usually judge those closest to us the harshest. We know them the best and they know us the best. And, when they don’t live up to our standards we judge them. When the server at the restaurant we are eating at doesn’t live up to our standard we judge them. When the driver in front of us doesn’t live up to our standard we judge them. When the quarterback for our favorite team doesn’t live up to our standard we judge them. The danger in the critical spirit becomes condemnation. When we condemn someone or something we disapprove and when we disapprove we condemn. Condemnation leads to a bitter root taking hold. A bitter root can spread like wild fire in your mind and spirit. It can spread to your relationships, your career, your spiritual, mental and emotional health. How do you keep the critical spirit, condemnation, and the bitter root from taking hold? The yoke of Jesus! In Matthew 11:29-30, Jesus gives us the perfect answer. He offers:

• Rest
• Humility
• Guidance
• Easing the burden

And, His yoke. “Yoking in” like oxen placed in a yoke together to plow and haul with Jesus means the burden of condemnation and the bitter root cannot be pulled out without Jesus by entering into the burden with us. He enters the burden with us by working with us by discipling and guiding us with His truth of grace, mercy, and forgiveness. His yoke is not one of condemnation and bitterness but of freedom of mind, body, and spirit. This freedom helps us grow strong and sturdy like oak trees.

Daily Reflection Questions:

1. Who and what are you most critical of?
2. Who and what do you disapprove of?
3. In a world that never slows down, What would it take for you to “yoke in” with Jesus to experience rest, guidance, humility, and his burden?
4. The best way to “go deep” with Jesus is to spend time with him. What three commitments are you willing to make everyday to “go deep” with Jesus.

Prayer:

Jesus, I lay my burdens at Your feet. Work with me to replace my critical spirit with the joy of Your strength. So I can experience Your humility and grace on a deeper level.