The Critical Spirit

"Instead, we will lovingly follow the truth at all times—speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly—and so become more and more in every way like Christ."
Have you ever encountered a person that just feels that they are an expert at evaluating others? They strive to seek people out and give an opinion, whether it is welcomed or not. In this post, I am going to answer some of my own questions about what it means to have a critical spirit and the way it affects others. I guess that we never really know just how we look through other people's eyes unless they choose to tell us. But the truth still remains, that we can always be sure of how we look in the eyes of our Father. If the church is the body of Christ and He fills the body, then it would be correct to say that He also directs the body in it's movements, inspires it's wisdom, and supplies it's strength. He guides the body into truth, sanctifies it, and then empowers it for witnessing. Because this is the truth, the church that is managed by men alone instead of governed by God, is surely doomed to failure.
A ministry that is college-trained, but not spirit-filled cannot work miracles. The church that adds more and more committees and activities , but neglects prayer might be large in attendance and noise, but it labors in vain and spends all of it's strength resulting in nothing. The real work of a church depends on the power of the Spirit. The presence of the Holy Spirit is vital and central to the work of the church. This same Spirit that I know, moves outside and beyond the church's set aside time for service and ignores the clock. My Bible tells me that apart from Him, wisdom becomes folly, and our own strengths become weakness. The church is called to be a "spiritual house" and an example of Christ-likeness.
Miracles are the direct work of His power, and without miracles the church cannot live. My carnal mind has argued with the subject of miracles for years, but it is the Spirit of God that convicts. Education can make people civilized, but it is being born of the Spirit that saves us. The energy of our flesh can run a rummage sale, organize a dinner, and raise money for a cause; but it is the presence of the Holy Spirit that makes the church the temple of the Living God.
Over the past few weeks, I have encountered so many people that have more faith in the world than they do in the Holy Spirit. That critical spirit is choking the life out of our church, and what I am praying for tonight, is that we get back to His realized presence and power. I am longing to see the breath of God turn death into life and turn our dry bones into mighty armies. And by faith, I know He will.