Guard Against Cynicism!

There are things that happen in this world which can cause us to become cynical. We put our hope in certain things working out, only to see time and again that they don’t. It’s a let down which can cause one to become pessimistic or at least refrain from becoming excited about possibilities worth working toward. One can even become cynical regarding people. When this occurs we can easily lose our zeal for reaching out to others. The farmer who sows his seed does not focus on the percentage that won’t produce, but rather on that which will. (note Matthew 13:3-9)

To be honest, I have struggled at various times in my ministry with some cynicism. There have been times when I got excited about possibilities that for one reason or another never materialized. I have gotten excited about the changes beginning to take place in the lives of others and the positive way in which they were responding to the Scriptures. Then it all just seemed to stop. I have had to pray about it. During those times I have asked others to pray for me in the struggle as well. My fear was that the cynicism would cause me to lose the excitement for ministry that hope can instill. Where is the joy in working with an attitude, “Well, I’ll keep working with them (or for it), but I won’t get excited until I see what finally happens.”? Yes, I have been there.

Someone has defined a cynic as follows: “A cynic knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.” [source: “1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E. C .McKenzie]

Cynicism has a way of throwing cold water on our zeal for serving. When we recognize the cost of efforts -- whether that be energy, money, or our time -- we need to also consider the VALUE of the end we are seeking. When it comes to the souls of others, we must guard against a view that minimizes their VALUE.

The world was worth the effort for God to send His only Son. The souls of mankind were worth the gift of Jesus willingly going to the cross. What are my (your) own efforts in comparison in recognizing the VALUE of the souls of those around us? Perhaps God’s ability to see all in the world in the clearest light would present the possibility for cynicism on His part. But He has continued to hold out hope. Why should we, with our limited perception of life, not also continue to be diligent in holding it out as well?

On an occasion when some were attempting to find a basis on which to bring accusations against Jesus we read…
“(9) He went on from there and entered their synagogue. (10) And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”— so that they might accuse him. (11) He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? (12) Of HOW MUCH MORE VALUE IS A MAN THAN A SHEEP! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”” (Matthew
12:9-12 ESV)

We can see that these individuals VALUED their possessions more than they did the lives of others. If we are too focused on ourselves (efforts, energy, feelings, time, etc.) we too can find ourselves not VALUING others as we should.

By the way, in case you were wondering, I am not struggling with cynicism right now. I am encouraged by many positive things I see God working out in my life and the lives of others around me. And one of the things we can do for one another is to remind each other of the work God continues to do through the power of His Word and His people so that we do not lose sight of the fruit of our service and the VALUE of those whose lives we are touching in the name of Christ. May we never give up, but rather continue holding out the hope of God to a lost and dying world.

Have a great day SUSTAINING A SPIRIT OF SERVICE!
Carl

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