Many of us, including me, have negative critical thoughts going in our head much of the day. I'm referring to the non-psychotic type. For me it's likely because my mom was always so critical of me, my own perfectionism and who knows what else.
I came to the realization lately that it's just God and me. God resides in me and He would never accuse or be critical other than conviction of sin, which isn't what the negative talk is about.
Romans 8:1
There is therefore, now no condemnation, for those who are in Christ Jesus.
1 John 4:15
If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the son of God, God lives in him and he in God.
So when I hear the critical voice in me I tell it to shut up and let myself be who I am, and do what I do the way I do it, as long as it is righteous or benign behavior. Whether Satan is directly involved in this I'm not sure. I'm inclined to believe it's my own sinful nature and patterns that have developed. But Satan is the accuser and if Satan is involved:
James 4:7
Submit yourselves then to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
And we should not judge ourselves (as in condemn, berate etc.):
1 Corinthians 4:3
I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself.
Although we should examine ourselves to be sure we are living out the faith God wants us to live:
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?
This is a tough battle because a life-long pattern is very difficult to dismantle. But I'm making progress.
I hope this helps somebody.
And if you have any critique, additions or other Scripture please feel free.
(Also posted in the blog.)
I came to the realization lately that it's just God and me. God resides in me and He would never accuse or be critical other than conviction of sin, which isn't what the negative talk is about.
Romans 8:1
There is therefore, now no condemnation, for those who are in Christ Jesus.
1 John 4:15
If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the son of God, God lives in him and he in God.
So when I hear the critical voice in me I tell it to shut up and let myself be who I am, and do what I do the way I do it, as long as it is righteous or benign behavior. Whether Satan is directly involved in this I'm not sure. I'm inclined to believe it's my own sinful nature and patterns that have developed. But Satan is the accuser and if Satan is involved:
James 4:7
Submit yourselves then to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
And we should not judge ourselves (as in condemn, berate etc.):
1 Corinthians 4:3
I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself.
Although we should examine ourselves to be sure we are living out the faith God wants us to live:
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?
This is a tough battle because a life-long pattern is very difficult to dismantle. But I'm making progress.
I hope this helps somebody.
And if you have any critique, additions or other Scripture please feel free.
(Also posted in the blog.)