THE POISON OF CYNICISM
This post has been brewing in me for a while now. God has again been peeling back the layers and showing me the idols I cling to and the puny presuppositions that have been hindering me from living freely in Christ. What is cynicism? It is being contemptuously distrustful of any or all people, teachings, motives, etc. As I've tried to be a noble Berean (Acts 17) I have fallen into a contemptuous cynicism that has poisoned my soul. As I've become more excessively devoted to my little soapboxes and less devoted to the Lord Himself I've more resembled the Pharisees. (Just a disclaimer-the soapboxes I've been devoted to are good things like homeschooling and the glorious doctrines of grace but if my knowledge doesn't result in love for my neighbor I am sadly misguided.) Here are some Scriptures that have pierced my soul this past week:
1 Corinthians 8 (the whole chapter but specifically the beginning) "Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him." (verses 1-3)
Last Sunday God pierced me with the revelation that I have been so like the Pharisees in lording my "knowledge" over others --
"And He also told this parable to certain ones who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt..." Luke 18:9
"Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8
"And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity." Colossians 3:14
May we as the corporate, world wide bride of Christ hold to the truth and at the same time "bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. For even Christ did not please Himself..." (Romans 15:1-3a)
9 comments:
Zowie.
Zing.
Yeah, that's what I've been saying to myself too Karen but it's been such a different kind of conviction. The Lord is so tender and compassionate in His discipline. He wishes to restore not destroy like the enemy.
Blessings.
Meredith, this is off topic but I wanted to say I've been praying for your dear son this week. I hope his surgery went smoothly and that he is recovering well.
Much love...
Ruthanne,
Thank you for praying for my son, it's so nice of you to remember. However, his surgery is not until April 8th. Maybe I mentioned the wrong date way back when I talked about it. In any case, thank you for your prayers. That means a lot to me. I haven't been neglecting your blog but haven't had enough time to really read your recent posts and comment the way I wanted to.
See ya.
Oh, how odd. I thought SURE you mentioned the date of MARCH 15TH for his surgery! I'll continue to pray for his surgery, and I trust the prayers I've offered for him this week helped in some other way. :)
Hey, no worries about reading or commenting on our blog. I'm not worried about it and I'm not too much of a comment fiend. :)
I have been thinking a lot about you, Meredith. Folks out here in the blogosphere love you!
Ruthanne,
That is sooo sweet:) Actually son #2 could use prayers. He is still working through the transition from little boy to big boy. He's almost 5 1/2 and still sucks his thumb and loves on his stuffed animals a lot.
Thanks. By the way, are you still thinking of coming to GA in April or May?
Our 5.5 yo girl still sucks her thumb too!
Yes, Lord-willing we'll be able to visit Atlanta in April or May but are not sure exactly what weekend. I'll be in touch. :)
Amen, sister!
Ann
I'm a little late, but this echos some of the same thoughts I have had recently.The Lord certainly is tender and compassionate as well as longsuffering in His dealings with us.
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