We
hear this term a lot, especially as we get older.
One
temptation of those involved in ministry, working for Christian employer, or living
in a Christian family, is to think that somehow that setting is more ideal
& that they are less likely to experience the negative side of human
behavior.
When
we find out that Christian people are still imperfect, & when they fail to
measure up to how we believe they should live, there is a big tendency to get
cynical.
This
temptation of skepticism usually grows over time. To finish well, we must learn
to balance the ideal we desire with the reality we face every day. If we don’t,
we will finish badly. We will expect the worst from people & will allow
that cynicism to poison our relationships with people whom God has called us to
influence toward His good purpose for their lives.
Actually,
this on-going battle with cynicism can have a number of important benefits.
First,
it helps us to see ourselves & our own sins (grouchiness & impatience,
for example) more clearly, showing us how dependent we are on God’s grace.
Second,
it encourages us to pray for & encourage those who may be younger in the
faith than we are.
Third,
it can motivate us to believe that God is still at work in those He has in His wisdom
& sovereignty brought into our lives.
Let's make it our goal to finish the year well, & to finish our lives well!
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