Day 14 - The Cynical Tongue

Cynic - One who believes only selfishness motivates human actions
Synonyms - nonbelieving, doubtful, pessimistic, sarcastic, suspicious
Antonyms- believing, hopeful, optimistic, trusting

Thomas, another of Jesus' disciples, comes to mind when I think of being cynical. The following passage that take place after Jesus' death and resurrection, paints this picture.
John 20-24-29 'Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"
But he said to them,"Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood amond them and said," Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
I am sure that we have all experienced being in the company of a cynical person. It is like a poison and these people are difficult to be around.
Deborah Pegues says, 'Find one cynical employee, parishioner or family member and pretty soon those with weaker minds are chiming in and perpetuating the negative conversation. It can wreak havoc on any relationship and in any environment.'
As I reflected on times of being cynical or being around those who are, it seems lack of faith is one reason we resort to cynicism. If we choose to trust God no matter what the extenuating circumstances look like, we would have no reason to be pessimistic or suspicious.
Unforgiveness and bitterness are the root of this behavior as well. If someone has been hurt, betrayed or resentful and not released these things with forgiveness, they are quick to be cynical about anything changing.
I have worked with some very cynical people. The irony is that the meaning of cynic is someone who believes only selfishness motivates human actions when in fact their cynicism comes out of their selfishness of wanting their own way.
How are you contributing to cynicism around you? Are you the one creating the scenarios? Or are you perpetuating the effects by agreeing with someone that is? God has a simple solution to those whose doubt keeps them trapped. Jude 22 'Be merciful to those who doubt.'
I encourage you to try a different tactic and speak hope or optimism into a negative situation today.
Speaking the Truth
Hebrews 10:23 'Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.'
James 1:5,6 ' If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks; he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.'

Excerpted from 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues (Harvest House Publishers 2005). Autographed copy of the book and workbook available at www.confrontingissues.com.