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.
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.
#2 – Remember what was done for me when I didn’t deserve it.
#3 – Remember what I have because of Christ.
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. ***
More reading:
- 5 Bad Habits I Want to Break This Year from HISsparrowBlog
- 5 Ways to Overcome a Critical Spirit from Crosswalk
- Overcoming a Critical Spirit from the Biblical Counseling Coalition
I frequently link up with the following: Grace & Truth with Embracing the Unexpected, Tell His Story with Jeanne Takenaka, and Let’s Have Coffee with Joanne Viola.
Oh my…
This is all so convicting, and I have a habit of “excusing” my critical spirit by calling it “an eye for improvement.” Much to consider and pray about…
Yes, I’ve been guilty of that, too, Michele. Thank you for stopping by!
I’ve been guilty of this all too often. Sometimes it’s disguised when a desire to be “right” morphs into a feeling of superiority. We should want to be, think, and do right, but not because we’re better–we’re all recipients of God’s undeserved grace. Your tips are great. One verse that helps me a lot it 2 Corinthians 4:7: “For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?”
So true, Barbara. It always changes my perspective when I remember that I have nothing I didn’t receive. Thanks for sharing!