Signs of a Critical Spirit {and Tips to Combat It}

Are you struggling with a critical spirit? Are you not sure? Today we’ll talk about many signs of a critical spirit along with a few things we can do to limit it.

I always thought I had a naturally positive attitude. Gratefulness and a little pride intermingled for an interesting mix of feeling immune to a critical spirit. After all, a critical spirit describes a person, right?

But I’m learning that no one’s immune. Especially me. It’s true that, as a Christian with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, a critical spirit shouldn’t characterize my life. However, as Paul said, I do what I don’t want to do.

For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. Romans 7:15 | HISsparrowBlog

So what are the signs of a critical spirit?

I’ve noticed several behaviors and thought patterns that point to a critical spirit.

A negative view of my own circumstances, the behavior and intentions of others, and Iife in general.
Jealousy of the success and rewards of others, and a feeling that another’s success is a reflection of my own lack or shortcomings.
Selfish reactions to anything I perceive as fringing on my rights, needs, or desires.
Passive aggressive tendencies with any perceived slight.
Hyper-sensitivity to the comments and actions of others.
The desire to educate others with my own negative opinion and distorted view of circumstances.
Ungratefulness for my own blessings.
An urge to compete in ‘suffering,‘ and for someone else to agree I’ve been dealt a bad hand.
A satisfaction at the misfortune of others, because either I saw it coming or they finally understand how I feel.

Although it’s possible, most of us don’t have all of these characteristics at one time. But even exhibiting several of these at once can damage our witness. Critical spirits are direct contradictions to the love and sacrifice and encouragement we should exhibit to others as Christians.

What do I do?

They say the first step is to realize there is a problem, and that’s true, but it can also be overwhelming. It’s not always so obvious as to what should come next. When that happens to me, as I’m sure you’ve heard me say before, it’s helpful to get back to the basics.

#1 – Remember who I am apart from Christ.

Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Matthew 7:3 NASB | HISsparrowBlog

#2 – Remember what was done for me when I didn’t deserve it.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NASB

#3 – Remember what I have because of Christ.

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 NASB

Have you ever realized you’re struggling with a critical spirit? What clued you in, and what did you do about it? Share in the comments below.

*** This post was revised from the archives. Check out the original here. ***