Immune to Cynicism

All people have experiences which tempt us to be cynical towards others.  This word has been described as, "believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity."  People poisoned with cynicism are often jaded and bitter due to painful experiences associated with people they once trusted.  They have been hurt by people in the past, and therefore all people are under suspicion.  If we believe people are naturally good, their inability to achieve this standard will lead to disillusionment and the distrust of all.  Those who hold a biblical worldview, however, understand men are naturally self-serving and self-focused.  Even with this fundamental belief in place, the temptation to be cynical will arise.

Because church ministry involves people, this temptation is very real for all who serve in ministry.  It hurts when people are not entirely honest with you.  It hurts when you have been sincere in your concern and care for someone yet time reveals they had a self-serving interest.  It stings when fellowship is cut off because you have not met unrealistic expectations of others:  I have been too young, not enough like a famous and revered preacher, and didn't put enough emphasis on particular teachings.  After investing in the lives of others at great personal expense only to be trampled or cast aside, people can refuse to make provision for genuine friendship due to cynicism.  Psalm 116:10-11 records the words of the Psalmist, "I believed, therefore I spoke, "I am greatly afflicted." ¹¹ I said in my haste, "All men are liars."  In his affliction and pain the Psalmist was hasty in his negative view of others.  We have all been lied to, but that doesn't mean there isn't a man who speaks the truth.

For young pastors out there, I have a few words of advice:  instead of committing your heart to men, ensure your heart remains fully committed to God.  Our lives are steeped with discipling and training up people to follow Jesus Christ.  We see people through the limitless potential provided through transformation through faith in Jesus.  We start fantasising how God might use this person to do great works for the kingdom of God - and how they might slot into ministry.  As Paul advised, resist the urge to lay hands upon a man too quickly, without a clear assessment of character over time.  Though workers may be few, we are best served seeking the LORD in prayer, interceding on their behalf.  I have come to the conclusion my vision is poor and my dreams are pathetic in comparison to what God is able to accomplish.  Immigrating to Australia and being a pastor never entered into my mind, but God has been amazing and faithful continually.

Here is another thing I have learned:  a healthy church is more than just teaching.  Leaders are called to lead, and unless we have personal contact with people we are just talking.  God brings all sorts of people together with different backgrounds, beliefs, and doctrinal emphasis.  We must be willing to humbly work together united by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His love.  Instead of feeling threatened by differences, we can rejoice in our God who has sovereignly brought us together.  We all have areas in our lives of strengths and weaknesses, our passions and blind spots, with gifts and talents given by the Holy Spirit for us to edify each other in the Church.  As we submit to Christ and one another in love, we can be effective in following Jesus and encouraging others to do likewise.  Iron sharpening iron cannot occur without a degree of friction.  Whether we walk in love or the flesh dictates if we are either being sharpened or blunted.

It's always exciting when visitors come to a small church.  It helps us to be loving and hospitable (not cynical!) when we realise people come to our church for a reason, even as people usually leave a church for a reason.  It may be tempting to try to accommodate requests or demands of new people so they might stay, but you will never be able to sustain this effort.  People have left our church because there weren't enough children the same age as theirs.  Guess what?  They went to another church where there were more children the same age.  I am glad God has placed diverse groups of people who gather in Christ's names so needs can be met.  In a church there may be a million and one reasons people choose to go there, but the more people who are primarily in fellowship because of unity through the Gospel, the better we will minister to the LORD and one another.  So if more people start coming to your church, pastor, don't imagine it has anything to do with you.  Praise the LORD it isn't about me or anyone else other than Jesus Christ.

Jesus never was cynical because He did not commit His heart to men.  I believe Jesus was a great friend, and there was nothing standoffish about Him.  He loved completely without being dependant on others for approval or to feel better about Himself.  He didn't commit to men, for He was already committed to doing the will of the Father.  He lived to please God; He did not seek to please or impress men, for He knew what was in men (John 2:24-25).  He knew many people really only cared to be healed, fed, and be amazed by miracles.  They were into following Jesus around for themselves - not for Jesus.  Nothing about men has changed.  We become cynical when we are looking for reciprocation from men and our expectations are unmet.  Jesus was the servant of all and immune to cynicism because His eyes were fixed on the Father, and He truly loved people without demanding for Himself.  We can only be "taken advantage of" when we feel were are not receiving our just due.  May the LORD purge all His followers of cynicism which easily weighs us down and keeps us from fostering relationships He has graciously provided.