A Challenge for Cynics


 I n the cynical times in which we live, it might be beneficial to back away from the daily grind for a moment to reflect on the more important aspects of our personal lives. Have we dealt personally and honestly with the absolutes of life? How much have we allowed ourselves to be influenced by attitudes imposed upon us, whether by family, peers, or society?

Should we allow the petty details of daily living crowd out indefinitely our confrontation with reality?

    Cynicism can be defined as "sneering disbelief in sincerity and nobility." It is easy to be cynical. For one thing, it seems that anything negative is readily assimilated by our sinful natures. Thus, being surrounded by cynics, we are not left unaffected by their attitude. For another, personal observation and experience teach us to be wary, to guard against the insincere and the dishonest who would take advantage of us. Unfortunately, this leads to a propensity for making wrong decisions at a foundational level. They are wrong decisions, because they are simply reactionary. They are the manifestations of our cynicism, not conclusions based on an objective consideration of the truth (as in: Look out for number one. Everyone else is just in it for the money; so, me too. If it feels good, do it. Get it while you can.)

    Sadly, this hardens into nothing more than a conditioned response which closes our minds to an honest pursuit of that which could be crucial to discovering real meaning for our lives. While at times our cynicism may stem from bitter experience, for many it is a mere defense mechanism; a means of justifying our having chosen to not think things through for ourselves. It is a facade. Our strongest argument becomes "well, that's the way everyone else is."

    However, the real danger lies in allowing this negative attitude to prejudice our approach to God and His Word. Be careful. The insincerity and hypocrisy of men cannot weaken, alter, or invalidate truth. It is absolute, it is accessible.

    The Bible says in Hebrews 9:27-28, And as it is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many. Death is an absolute that no one can deny. Romans 5:12 declares that death entered the world because of sin. The existence of sin is obviated by the reference in this verse to another absolute: judgment. The nature of God and our relationship to Him as His creation inexorably demand a day of reckoning when every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Romans 14:12). God delivered His law to Moses to reveal just what He expects of us. No one can measure his life by the law without realizing that he has fallen short. That is as God intended. Romans 3:20 states that by the law is the knowledge of sin. The law then, rather than being the means by which we obtain pardon for our sins, becomes our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith (Galatians 3:24). II Corinthians 5:21 states concisely, for he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin: that we might be made righteousness of God in him. The benefits of His atonement for our sins are personally appropriated when with repentant hearts we accept by faith what He has done for us. Repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15). But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12 )

    Sin, death, judgment, blood atonement, personal repentance and faith in Christ: have we faced up to these absolutes? Shallow platitudes and excuses will have no weight at the tribunal where God is the judge. His only criterion will be: what have we done with the Gospel of His Son? In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. (Romans 2:16)

    It is easy to be cynical. But, as you can see, there is more in the Bible than a cloak for charlatans, a bandwagon for glory seekers, or a living for freeloaders. If we give credence to the pretenders by allowing them to keep us from the Bible, we do harm to our own souls. We allow fools to keep us from wisdom! God is not in it for the money. He did not create us to take advantage of us. He offers us reconciliation through the blood of His Son so that we may enjoy His richest blessings, both now and forever.

    Now, if you are a cynic, I know you won't take my word for it. That's OK. But don't take anyone else's either! Check it out for yourself - in the Bible.

Greg Smith
Cancun, QR, Mexico
December, 1992