Cynicism

"Cynicism is a belief in nothing. You’ve already met cynics, I’m sure" (I used to work with one): "They’re those people who tell you they see things how they really are, and that things are really rotten. They believe that no one is sincere, and that everyone has secret, selfish reasons for the things they do." That everyone is out there to get them, to take advantage of them - everyone has a hidden agenda. They don't trust others. "They’ll tell you that everything is rigged against you and no one means what they say. The world, according to the cynic, is a cold and cruel place…" They are very negative people. And, thank God, they are wrong! DO NOT BELIEVE A CYNIC! DO NOT BECOME A CYNIC!

Cynics also complain a lot, sometimes to the point where they drive you crazy. You can feel their negativity. The problem is that cynicism and complaining (like gossiping) are contagious. Have you ever notice how sometimes, even when you don't want to, you also end up participating in conversations where your friends, co-workers or relatives are criticizing and gossiping about others, or complaining about this and that...? It's easy to be weak, and hard to be strong and embrace our beliefs and moral convictions.

Remember: "People who are cynical, or jaded, make their own lives cold and miserable - because they lack courage." They don’t trust anyone and they only see the bad side of everyone and everything. They pretend that they like you – when they really don’t. They have self-esteem problems, so they only see their own faults in others (since others become mirrors of who we really are). They are sarcastic and self-centered, and the trouble is, they don't even realize it.

It takes courage to believe in things, to believe in people, to believe in God; sometimes things will disappoint you, sometimes people will let you down, sometimes we wonder about God’s plan for us. But, no matter what: don’t lose your FAITH… To have faith is to risk having your heart broken, and the cynic isn’t willing to take that risk. Be strong and take the risk!

(Inspired by an article written by Philip Van Munching)