The Contagious Sin of Cynicism

Here is the translated text from Bulgarian to English: **Cynicism among Christians manifests as an accumulation of negative attitudes and expectations. This negative attitude can be directed towards ourselves or others—the church, repentance and acceptance of Christianity, the progress of the gospel, growth in holiness, or even towards God Himself. A clear biblical example of this can be found in the book of the prophet Malachi: "You have said, 'It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by obeying His decrees and going about in mourning before the Lord Almighty?'” (Malachi 3:14) However, cynicism can also be a deep attitude of heart or mind, even if it is not expressed in words. Cynicism today, as in any other time, contradicts three key hallmarks of Christianity according to the Apostle Paul: faith in Jesus Christ, love for all saints, and hope for the anticipated coming of Christ. (1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3; Colossians 1:3-6) Overall, cynicism can be healed when we develop and grow our faith in Christ, our love for God’s people, and our firm hope in the second coming of Christ. Along with the general approach, however, God has given us many specific steps to counteract cynicism. **Causes and Counteraction** There are many factors that cause cynicism in contemporary Christians. Cynicism in itself is a general symptom of many problems. We must find the specific cause of someone's cynicism before we treat the underlying issue. So, what are some of the common causes of cynicism and how can we combat them? **Worldview of Hopelessness** Cynicism can arise in us when we adopt some modern discouraging perspectives on the world. People who reject God because they do not like being under His authority, consider that faith is not scientifically justified, or simply want to do as they wish, not only reject God but also the hope He provides. The pursuit of finding meaning in a meaningless universe surely leads to failure. The pursuit of finding hope in a hopeless universe will also certainly not meet success. This is beyond us. Cynicism may be a way of life inherited from others. And the cure? You are redeemed from the worthless life handed down to you from your ancestors "with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." (1 Peter 1:18-19) We apply a remedy to each cause of cynicism by consistently and deliberately meditating on specific passages from Scripture, words from God Himself to us. Read them aloud, write them down, memorize them, talk about them, turn them into prayers of repentance, trust, gratitude, and praise. **Extreme Teachings** The church also produces its own cynicism. One example can be seen in emphasizing only the good plans God has for our lives while neglecting the biblical teachings on sin, judgment, and God's wrath. We read the Bible superficially, seeking encouragement by selectively choosing only the great promises of God for forgiveness, new life through God's Son, the salvation of God's people, His gracious action through the Holy Spirit, and the renewal of all things. We need a comprehensive biblical revelation about the constant presence, pervasiveness, and hiddenness of sin, about God's present and future judgment, and His wrath. Otherwise, our unbiblical optimism will turn to cynicism. If we read the Bible superficially, selecting only the passages about success and the progress of the gospel, while neglecting the readings about sin, failure, suffering, persecution, and heresies that will characterize the last days, as well as the need for patience and endurance, it is very easy for us to become cynical. The remedy? Read the Bible thoroughly, not "piece by piece." Also, meditate on God's Word and deeds, as well as His love. **Unconfessed Sin** We are vulnerable to cynicism when we hide unconfessed sins in our lives when we have stopped mortifying our sinful nature through the power of Christ’s death and have ceased living the new life through the power of His resurrection and the Holy Spirit. Cynicism can be the price of sin that has remained unconfessed for a long time. What is the counteraction? "If we confess our sins, God is faithful to His promise, just, will forgive us our sins, and will cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) **The Weight of Leadership** It is possible to become cynical if we bear responsibility for church ministry and, as such, have to deal with the weaknesses, distractions, and failures of those we serve alongside. Discouragement of this kind breeds cynicism. The remedy? Trust in Christ and forgive others. "Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her, to sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that He might present the Church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:25-27) "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32) **Violence/Abuse** Of course, people who have been victims of violence or abuse—whether physical, emotional, or sexual—can easily become cynical about themselves or others, especially if their abuser identified as a Christian or a Christian leader. Healing can take years, even decades. The long-term treatment is? "Bear with each other and forgive in your heart anyone who may have a grievous matter against anyone else; forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Colossians 3:13) **False Expectations** We are also prone to become cynical if we expect to be rewarded in this life and desire to find full happiness in the present. We would become cynical if we accept a version of the gospel that makes promises it cannot fulfill: complete happiness, healing, freedom from stress, conflicts and disappointment, as well as attaining prosperity. The cure?**