The Plague of Cynicism
Updated: Nov 27, 2022
Long before Covid started appearing in the fall of 2019 there was another plague that had taken hold: Cynicism.
Cynicism among Christians is widespread and can be seen as negative attitudes and unrealistic expectations. As it is with all fallen humans those attitudes are often directed inwardly toward ourselves or to those around us, the church etc. That cynicism affects our gospel progress, growth through sanctification (becoming Christ like), and even toward God himself.
Cynicism works against our faith and Christianity in general. The cure for cynicism is to cultivate and increase our faith and hope in Christ, his return and our love for God’s people.
Our cynicism can be fueled by a sinful and improper worldview. Many Christians have become lukewarm and only skim the Bible or wait for a sermon that will uplift them, a pep talk about life in Christ. Witness the falling away of some Christians into Qanon, other cults or Political cults of personality like Trump.
What to do?
Curb your addiction to the endless news cycle of bad news and prideful discourse. get off or take a break from social media.
Read the whole Bible, and read it daily. Carry a Bible with you and read it whenever you can or on your phone or tablet. Meditate on the words and glory of God and the love of God for all of us. Pray, confess your sins (1 John 1:9), repent and then go to work for Christ in your community and family. Make Christ first, pray to him and ask for his wisdom and discernment about your politics etc.
Blessed is the man . . . whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1–2 I meditate on all that you have done. Psalm 143:5 We have thought on your steadfast love. Psalm 48:9
Like Covid or any contagious disease cynicism can spread rapidly. One cynic can easily influence and affect others, which will make cynicism the go too of an individual, a church, a community, or a ministry. We need the help and wisdom of others, and they need our help and wisdom, to avoid cynicism.
Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. . . . See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled. Hebrews 3:12; 12:15
You and I must work to increase our faith in Jesus Christ, love for all the saints, and hope in Christ’s. All for the glory of God!