Is There Anything Productive About Cynicism!?

It sounds silly, that somebody would knowingly choose to inflict pain on themselves!!!!!!

During a worship set at the beloved Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson, MO, it hit me like the kindest Mack Truck imaginable:

Our widespread, overwhelming inclination to critique is in the way of our deepest, most joyful, intimacy with Jesus

Those weren’t specific words that I heard in some divine voice, but that feels like the closest to the message I can manage

I sat down shortly after, feeling compelled to listen to our sweet & powerful Advocate for a moment. Together we compiled a short list of subjects that many others (I’m sure) and myself, allow to turn into topics of torture.

#1: Other Generations

Whether younger or older, we seem to think that they lack all of the answers we hold. The younger generation has torched their attention spans and lack the intuition or intelligence to seek truth for themselves.
The older generation is naive and emotionless. They have no compassion or willingness to learn or change.

How silly?

The loudest representatives of each era (the ones that might be sharing their opinions in a definitive or condescending fashion) aren’t an accurate representation of the immense value of that generation.

Rather than disqualifying growing children, could we offer them opportunities to steward? To learn? To add value to something that impacts others?

Rather than silencing those that came before us, claiming they are dense and apathetic, could we glean something from listening to them? Could we possibly profit from studying their values, traditions, or opinions?

You can’t convince me we can’t be blessed by the testimony of Dicky V...

#2: Preferences in Worship

Sure, I am not the biggest fan of fog machines and electric guitars on church stages. I also don’t seek out opportunities to worship from a hymnal or lead by an organ. I find that my heart is most impacted by acoustic, simple worship. Mostly strings and voices.

But could it be possible that other souls are sanctified and stirred by things outside of my preference?

Could somebody praying in tongues or waving a banner be a blessing to God and to the heart of the believer?

DOES IT HELP MY HEART OR THEIR’S FOR ME TO BE BITTER TOWARD THEIR CHOICES?

Could is be best to pray blessings over the person? To believe that they are experiencing new depths of Jesus’ love through their choice in worship? What if I redirected my thoughts of cynicism to become prayers for every member of the congregation before me to connect with the Lord in a new and tender way?

I’ve been trying this prayer thing recently. It’s awesome.

If another person’s choices aren’t inherently sinful or blasphemous, why should I destroy them in my mind?

UPPEROOM! I have many friends who have been blessed by God’s work here. I also know many people who seek to disqualify all of the fruit of this ministry. Funny.

#3: Political Alignment

Oh boy. The religion of the nominal nonbeliever.
Every issue is presented as a manner of life and death.
“If you’re not with me, you’re against me.”

I will start by saying, yard signs and story posts have likely never changed a person’s political alignment. They more commonly just heighten the levels of tribalism and/or bitterness in the viewer.

A human’s values are formed by their circumstances, scars, upbringing, mentorship, spiritual practices, education, sanctification, recreational choices, and friendships (+ more).

I don’t think most arguments positively impact values, but discussions might! Peaceful discussions full of trust, care, hope, personal conviction, and maybe some accompanying strong evidence.

Listening ears + compassionate hearts = mutually beneficial interactions.

If we are seeking change in our world (or country), it will be happen ONE interaction at a time. 15 faithful seconds at a time, humbly desiring the best for the person opposite us.

They do not believe what they believe because they hate me & want me to suffer. They believe it because they think it’s best for them and maybe for others. Anger should not drive our thoughts! I should feel compassion toward their stories and hope for their future.

Marked by love. Steady & truthful. It’s about humanity, not about winning!!!!

Disagreeing Better!

If you know, you know! Check out the hyperlink above for some simple hope.

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This feels like a good place to stop! The list is a little longer than this, and it will likely expand. I often revisit the topic of optimism to write or speak about it!

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:15 ESV

I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?
2 Corinthians 12:15

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I love you guys! I believe in all of us! Humanity is worth it!