You might say there are worse things to be than self-critical. (You’d be right.) You may even take it as a compliment. Being self-critical can be a healthy dose of humility or a way to motivate change in areas of your life. For instance, hitting the gym, getting organized or spending more time in your Bible. Being self-critical means you are analyzing your life. You are identifying things that may be making you unhappy, unhealthy, or causing you unnecessary stress.

But, - (there is a but here) there is a difference between a healthy and an unhealthy self-critic.

Being too self-critical can be emotionally draining and leave you feeling defeated and burdened. And, it’s sneaky. It can start slow, show up here and there, until suddenly nothing you do ever seems to be quite good enough. Eventually, you may even find you are blaming yourself for negative situations around you. It’s a toxic cycle that starts out with an innocent idea to improve.

Unhealthy self-critical habits can be binding and limiting. They can keep you from stepping out for fear that you won’t be good enough, or someone else could do it better. They can keep you from following his plan for you, from following the path he is paving for your way. God wants so much more for you than that!

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Carrying around the baggage of an unhealthy self-critical mindset is a lifestyle. It’s not something you leave at work, at home, at the mall or at the grocery store with a basket full of Oreo’s and Orange Soda. It pours over, into every part of your life, like a draining colander under a running faucet with no handle. But - (another but here) here’s the good news. Jesus does too.

When you’re caught in the self-critical cycle, remember, you are loved, right now, just the way you are.

Zephaniah 3:17 “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

The creator of the universe delights in you. He will calm your fears. He rejoices over you.

You are enough, today. Not when you get the promotion. Not when you lose that ten pounds.

Today. Right now.

So stay humble. Stay willing and ready to hear constructive, healthy criticism. From yourself, and from others.

But drop that baggage. Today. Allow yourself to be enough.

Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,”

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