Monday’s Ministry Encouragement: Written to encourage you, my friend in ministry, to be refreshed and renewed as we live for Christ and look toward the Bema.
“Well, what’s the use in trying to love this congregation! They’ll probably just turn on me.”
“I’m not going to open myself up being hurt again.”
“I knew that’s how they would respond!”
All of these and more are statements from a heart that has grown cynical in the ministry.
To be cynical is to be “contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motives; based on or reflecting a belief that human conduct is motivated primarily by self-interest” (Merriam-Webster).
“Cynicism among Christians appears as a collection of negative attitudes and expectations. Those attitudes may be directed toward ourselves or others, the church, conversions, gospel progress, growth in sanctification, and even toward God himself.” (Peter Adams)
Cynicism in ministry is dangerous ground.
- A cynical pastor has lost touch with the reality of life in Christ.
- A cynical pastor avoids being with people; is withdrawn.
- A cynical pastor has forgotten the sovereignty of God and the love of God.
- A cynical pastor has been consumed with his hurts.
- A cynical pastor thinks God has forsaken him.
- A cynical pastor’s time in the Word has become mundane and mechanical.
- A cynical pastor has a prayer life rather than a life of prayer.
Do any or all of the above describe you, pastor/missionary friend?
Continue reading “Overcoming Cynicism In Ministry”
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