Overcoming Cynicism in Challenging Times
By Diane Velasco, Guest Contributor
In the face of unprecedented turmoil, political corruption, and abuses of power we see sweeping across America, cynicism can seem like the only rational response to the daily onslaught of disturbing media reports we’ve been enduring.
Defined as a general distrust of others’ motives and a lack of faith or hope in people, cynicism is a defense mechanism to protect ourselves from the anger, disappointment, and vulnerability we feel.
But cynicism not only becomes a negative filter that colors our worldview, obscuring all that is positive, it also is highly contagious and produces no solutions. Cynicism causes us to hold back from participating in the public sphere, reducing our social and economic contributions ─ our ability to effect change.
By not participating in solutions, we unwittingly help to perpetuate the very problems that are festering in our society.
Often the cynical Christian’s response to that is “So what? Why should I care? After all, Jesus is coming soon. God’s kingdom is more important than any earthly nation anyway, so why waste time trying to make a difference in the world’s mess, especially now when it’s gotten so out of control?”
Why? Because we were born for such a time as this. Unlike most of the world’s population, we are privileged to live in a self-governing society where we can exercise political freedom without fear. But America is not just a self-governing society. It is the only superpower at this time in history.
Think about that. Through simple actions that cost us nothing but time, we have the opportunity to impact the world’s lone superpower in the realm of public policy on the things God cares about, such as alleviating poverty, marriage, the family, the sanctity of human life, justice, care for creation, peace, freedom, justice, etc.
I invite you to let the light of faith lead you from the dark, narrow cave of cynicism into your rightful place of power and authority in Christ for this nation. Clearly, faith is the only antidote to cynicism.
Avoiding cynicism doesn’t mean ignoring facts or inconvenient truth. We can accept the reality of our current dysfunctional political system and climate, yet at the same time exercise our rights and responsibilities to impact them for the benefit of ourselves, our families, and our neighbors.
Here are just a few Scriptures to overcome common causes of cynicism:
We feel overwhelmed by evil – “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
We feel situations are hopeless, so it’s pointless to try – “Through God we shall do valiantly, and it is He who will tread down our adversaries.” Psalm 108:13
We feel that church work is more important than earthly kingdoms; we are not of this world, so shouldn’t get involved with politics – As salt and light, we are called by Christ to influence all aspects of our world for Him, including governments: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:13-16
There are too many Scriptures to cite here, not to mention historical anecdotes, of God’s people influencing kings, princes, and presidents resulting in significant, righteous changes to their societies.
From the Old Testament prophets who confronted their kings, to men like Daniel who served during three pagan, corrupt administrations, to Paul confronting Felix the governor concerning righteousness and self-control, people of God have been fearless in speaking truth to power and influencing government authorities.
Don’t let cynicism cause you to relinquish your power to effect change by sitting on the sidelines any longer. Take time to be informed, vote, and engage. The Lord is counting on you to make a difference in His name!
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