Christ pierces the cynic’s heart
FAR BE IT from me to disparage the cynical view — a witty and piercing take on church politics has long had a place in this paper.
But in both secular politics and in the Church, there are ample opportunities for cynicism to fester—to become not just the mode for an astute observation, but a persistent state of mind. Prime Minister Trudeau’s beach vacation in Tofino on the inaugural Day of Truth and Reconciliation is one example. Closer to our hearts, we can become deeply cynical as we see tumult across the church forcing leaders to resign or be investigated for misdeeds.
In all of this, how do we react?
“Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;” (Psalm 1:1).
Notice the scoffer (or scornful one) sits in a seat of judgement. Instead of taking righteous action, he sits back, and scoffs at the misdeeds of others. You might even say the scoffer takes pleasure in others’ failures.
Anglican realignments can also tempt us to cynical assessments, as we may feel the sting of disappointment or abandonment. Does momentary discouragement give way to a deeper cynicism, an attitude of contempt or a quickness to impugn motives?
We like to think of ourselves as especially clear-sighted when we are in cynical mode. But if a prideful cynicism settles in, we are subject to the worst kind of blindness—we cannot clearly see our own hearts.
Instead, we should ask ourselves: Am I speaking from a place of humility? Scorn is prideful – it betrays a lack of Biblical understanding of our own capacity for sin and failure. I can think back to a time when I and people close to me were let down by a promising leader. There was disappointment and, yes, some righteous anger. However, for some, Schadenfreude began to set in as prudent discernment deteriorated into personal insults and pleasure at this leader’s self-destruction. It wasn’t right, or just or humble.
Am I being moved to positive action? An obvious driver of cynicism is Twitter. I had fallen into the habit of looking at Twitter upon awakening every morning – an insidious and destructive practice if ever there was one. The living room couch becomes the “seat of the scoffer.” I am finding that beginning the day with a time of quiet and reading Scripture and other things that nourish the intellect and spirit does set a different tone. It helps me to discern well (and think and write more clearly) throughout the rest of the day.
Is my reaction grounded in a Biblical understanding of human nature? Anyone immersed in the Biblical narrative can hardly be surprised when humans (whether lay leaders, police, politicians or clergy) let us down. We can be disappointed, and in some cases their actions may even elicit our righteous anger. But to retreat into a deep cynicism shows we have put too much faith in the wrong place. The Apostle Paul’s instruction, “Follow me as I follow Christ,” is a timely reminder.
A mind and heart shaped by Scripture will begin to know the difference between righteous anger (which leads to just action) and prideful judgement, between natural and temporary disappointment and debilitating cynicism.
“…but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2).
“His delight is in the law of the Lord.” This delight doesn’t come from a cursory reading, but from meditating. Take a bite in the morning, then chew on it throughout the day. The delightful flavour will refine the palate, and make the bitterness of cynicism and scorn distasteful. Meditating on God’s law reminds us of our own weakness – and a humble person is never scornful. It also reminds us that our hope is in the Lord.
“Do not put your trust in princes,
in human beings, who cannot save….Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God” (Psalm 146:3, 5).
Two things mark the cynic’s heart: high standards, and a short supply of mercy. Through his Advent among us, Christ pierces the darkness and disengagement of our cynical hearts. He who comes to judge the world appears first in a lowly manger, and journeys to the cross. In him, justice and mercy have kissed each other – may it be so in our hearts.
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