Have You Been Influenced By Cynics?

 Conclusion of  Today's Cynics-Should You Display Their Traits?

"[Love] believes all things."  (1 Corinthians 13:P7) That statement is in direct contrast with the disposition of the cynic,who questions the motives and actions of  others.  Of course, the world is full of people with ulterior motives; so there is a need for caution.  (Proverbs 14:15) Nevertheless, love is ready to believe because it is trusting,  not unduly suspicious.

God loves and trusts his servants.  He knows their limitations even better than they do.  However,  Jehovah never treats his people with suspicion, and he does not expect more of them than they can reasonably do.  (Psalm 103:13, 14)  Moreover, God looks for the good in humans, and in a trusting way, he grants privileges and authority to his loyal, though imperfect, servants. -1 Kings 145:13; Psalm 82:6.

"I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, examining the kidneys, even to give each one according to his ways, according to the fruitage of  his dealings."  (Jeremiah 17:10) Jehovah can accurately read a person's heart.  We cannot.  Therefore, we need to be careful about attributing certain motives to others.

Allowing a cynical spirit to take root in us and eventually dominate our thinking has the potential for creating divisions between us and fellow believers.  It can disrupt the peace of the Christian congregation.   Let us therefore follow the example of Jesus, who was realistic   yet positive in his dealings with his disciples.  He became their trusted friend. -John 15:11-15.

"Just as you want men to do to you,do the same to them."  (Luke 6:31) There are many ways to apply this counsel of Jesus Christ.  For instance, all of us prefer to be spoken to with kindness and respect.  Surely, then, we should express ourselves to others in a  kind and respectful way. Even when Jesus forcefully exposed the false teachings of the religious leaders, he never did this in a cynical  manner. -Matthew 23:13-*36.

Next time: Ways to Combat Cynicism

Watchtower, 2000