Negative Nitwits

My best friend’s family is going through some serious health issues. Why is it, amidst all the doctors and specialists; amidst all the family members and amidst all the friends someone always has to be the negative nitwit? If there is one thing that I can’t stand in relation to tough times– is a negative/critical spirit. Isn’t it best to be positive in all these situations? If you want to upset me, put me in a room full negative Ned’s and Depressive Dee’s….it will drive me nuts!

A Pessimist is someone who complains about the noise when opportunity knocks.

Okay, so here is the bad news, “Expect Negativity/Criticism in this World!” Negativity is an easy trap to fall into. It is much easier to be critical than to be correct. Negativity is contagious. In fact, after being around someone negative, I find myself complaining about their negativity. And, a negative spirit is a lot like that one rotten apple in the bunch; it will spread to the other apples.

Luke 11:14-20 Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed. But some of them said, “By Beelzebub, a prince of demons, he is driving out demons.” Others tested him by asking for a sign from heaven. Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: “Any kingdom divided against it will be ruined, and a house divided against it will fall. If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebub. Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.

Negativity often involves personal criticism. Look at the insult and exaggeration the Scribes used on Jesus. They said that he was “possessed by Beelzebub” - the identity of Beelzebub is found in the Old Testament the name meant “Lord of Flies or Lord of Filth or Lord of Manure (the poop)” and came to be another name for Satan.

Negativity is a choice! It may be easier for some than others, but it is a choice. Negativity is Indicative! Critics often expose more about the critic than anything else. When people try to whip up criticism it is often a reflection of their own heart.

Negativity often reveals inactivity. Criticism often comes from those not doing anything.

Chinese Proverb: “Him who complains, “It can’t be done!” needs not interrupt him who is doing it.”

Negativity often reveals a lack of faith. For some reason, Critics have problems with projects that require a ton of faith. That’s why they often surface when things start happening. Negativity often reveals a lack of personal time with Jesus. You cannot worship Jesus and stay negative. Negativity often reveals deeper personal problems… Negativity is a cry for help.

Negativity often reveals a heart of selfishness and jealousy. Remember that the source of most conflicts lies within a person’s own selfish desires. James wrote, "What is the source of conflicts and quarrels among you, is it not your own desires that battle within you?

Negativity often reveals ignorance or misunderstanding. Most people are afraid of things they don’t understand– so they complain and criticize.

What’s the solution? Like I said in an earlier article…GET OVER IT! Refuse to be infected!!!

We live in a negative world and Satan would love nothing more than to steal your life. Refuse to let someone else Jealousy steal your Joy. Refuse to allow their doubt to rob your determination. Refuse to allow their faithlessness to kill your faithfulness. Refuse to let their sarcasm stop your service. They tried to get Jesus but He refused to be infected!

We are called to live positively in this negative world. Because of God’s grace, his love and his Salvation, we can exist in this negative world.