The Deception of Self-Criticism

"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, 

so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 

2 Corinthians 5:21

We sometimes look down on ourselves thinking this is humility. We may even criticize ourselves being quick to point out our faults. We might go so far as to look for our faults, and that becomes a habit, a stronghold of thinking. In this frame of mind we eventually get to where we don't offer words of encouragement to others because, whether we realize it or not we start to doubt God could ever use an imperfect vessel like us, and we don't want it to look like we are trying to call attention to ourselves, (God forbid we become arrogant!). Well, God forbid we become falsely humble either! God forbid we become critical of ourselves because once we do, we are not only stifling our own gift, but it becomes easy to turn that fault-finding, critical spirit towards others. The door is then opened to envy, bitterness and all sorts of things contrary to the Spirit of God. I'm not saying not to admit it if you've wronged someone, or sinned and need to ask for forgiveness, but don't start down the path of self-criticism.

If the enemy can get you to open the door, just a crack, to criticism by aiming it at yourself, then he can wedge his way in, bringing all kinds of destructive stuff with him. Don't fall for it! Soak yourself in the love of God and realize the fullness of what Jesus has done for you. When you are critical of yourself, you are trying to make yourself righteous in the eyes of God through your own efforts. Trust in Jesus as your righteousness. Walk in His righteousness, not  your own. Before Jesus died He prayed to the Father and said, "I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them." (John 17:26). Jesus asked that the very same love that the Father loved Jesus with be in us. The Father loves you like He loves Jesus! He sees you as righteous, like He sees Jesus as righteous. Don't be afraid to receive the Father's love. You need it, and there's enough to go around for everyone!