God's Prophetic People - A People of Passion, Purpose And Power

God's Prophetic People

C. IMPROPER Spirit You’ve probably heard — or even used — a phrase like, "I really like their spirit" or "There's just a good spirit about that person." Just as we can recognize and connect with the positive qualities in someone’s spirit, there are also negative traits we should be wary of. An unhealthy spirit can be like a leech, draining your spiritual energy. It sucks the joy out of serving the Lord and walking in His ways. It dulls your perception, leaving you spiritually flat and devoid of faith, with little hope or expectation for a brighter future.

There are three main types of improper spirits: A critical

spirit, a competitive spirit, and a prideful spirit.

1. Critical spirit A critical spirit is naturally derived from the word

critical. The following are some definitions: • Relating to criticism

• Having the skill or power to distinguish beauties from blemishes • Capable of judging • Minute care in examination • Inclined to find fault, or to judge with severity • To examine and judge critically • To animadvert upon as faulty, to utter censure 7 2. Competitive spirit Today, the word "competition" is everywhere. It feels like everyone is striving to win in one way or another. Unfortunately, this mindset has also infiltrated Christianity and Christian leadership. We see it in the race for the biggest church, the best youth group, the most successful conferences, or the highest book and CD sales. The list of comparisons goes on and on. It often feels like people and churches believe they need to outdo others in order to be recognized and valued. Some are determined to win at anything and everything, no matter the cost to those around them. The real question is this: What is it that you truly want to win? And how do you want to win it?

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A People of Passion, Purpose, and Power / © Brian Daehn