As I "mature" in my years, I don't want to become a cynical old man.
There is much to be cynical about in the world today - even in the church. Or should I say to say, especially in the church.
About the 100th time someone says, "I will pray about it," in reference to someone being asked to participate in a ministry, and you both know well that it means an emphatic "no" - you can be tempted to be cynical.
Or the goofiness of godly saints who act in childish ways - you can be tempted to be cynical.
Or the immaturity of those who have been in the church a long time - you can be tempted to be cynical.
Sometimes you just want to cry out, "why don't we all just grow up"!
Yet we must continually fight the notions of allowing cynicism to creep into our spirits and attitudes.
Cynicism will destroy your walk with God.
In his book "Please Don't Squeeze the Christian", Scott Sernau reflects on the danger of cynicism—especially in the life of believers who claim a "living hope." He writes:
"Cynicism kills in the manner of frostbite: the only symptom is a deadening numbness. And even Christians are often tinged with this frostbite. Callousness and doubt numb us to life and joy. We find ourselves leaving the triumphant lyrics of the old hymns on the church doorstep, because they appear hopelessly out of step with the world waiting outside. Our problem is not that we've been taught to question our faith, but rather that we've been taught to reject any answers. Doubt can be a state of mind—or it can be a way of life."
Join me in my quest to fight off cynicism - and not be a grumpy old man.
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