Critical Spirit

Pastor: Jonathan Murrell

Is a Critical Spirit Holding You Back?

Imagine someone who always sees the glass as half empty—always pointing out what’s wrong, never what’s right. Think of Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh or Puddleglum from The Chronicles of Narnia—pessimistic, cynical, and quick to find fault. Could that be you? Could a critical spirit be ruining your joy, your relationships, and even your faith?

In Jonah 4, we see a man who was more upset about a plant dying than an entire city being saved. He had done what God asked, but his heart was still hardened. He was angry when things didn’t go his way. He refused accountability. He wanted to see others fail. His complaints overshadowed God’s blessings. And in the end, he was more invested in his own comfort than in God’s mission.

But here’s the hard truth: Jonah’s story isn’t just about him—it’s about us. We, too, can become so wrapped up in negativity that we miss what God is doing. We can care more about our personal grievances than about the souls around us. We can become so consumed with criticism that we stop celebrating, stop championing others, and stop seeing the world through God’s eyes.

So how do we break free? God doesn’t want us to be like Jonah—He wants us to be transformed. This sermon challenges us to shift our mindset, embrace gratitude, and let go of a critical spirit that keeps us from experiencing God’s full joy. Are you willing to let go of negativity and step into a life of purpose?