Fighting Cynicism

April 5, 2021

Where do you want to be in five years? Odds are, if you are reading this, then you are most likely a student at Liberty University with a five-year plan and a lot of hope to make that plan a reality. Let me ask you a question; what is your plan after those five years? Life continues after that five year plan, and as it does, you will certainly experience a healthy amount of successes and failures.

If you are a student, I want to encourage you to keep in mind that life goes on after you graduate and get a job. It can be so daunting to look ahead at a full life on this planet, but there needs to be preparation in order to live the life that you desire. So many people that I talk to do not have much of a perspective of life beyond a couple years after college. I would like to encourage you to continue to look forward to the future, no matter how old you are. It should be noted that the decisions that we make now as humans will affect who we are and who we become later in life.

There are steps that need to be taken that will help fight cynicism and keep us moving forward as a great neighbor and friend to those around us. Cynicism is defined as a lack of trust in humans because they are solely driven by self-interest or desires (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). This can most clearly be seen in elderly people as there are generally only two types of them. One type is kind, giving, and full of life while the other is angry, distrustful, and likes to live life alone.

Most of us can picture one of each of these types of people. What most people don’t understand is that these people do not just appear overnight. The actions and mentality that we have now, on a daily basis, will affect who and how we are as we get older. Simplified, our current actions define our future self. Thankfully, there are ways to avoid the cynical future that seems to encompass too many people in our society. There needs to be active steps taken towards seeking out discipleship and accountability through friendships from older and younger people.

Humans are made to be in community, and in order to remain healthy, we cannot remain in isolation. There is wisdom in staying in community. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (English Standard Version Bible, 2001). Through doing life with people who are pushing us towards Christ, we can set in place good practices to help us strive towards always loving others as ourselves. The golden rule is the antithesis of cynicism. Loving God and loving others will bring forth a meaningful and happy life.

No matter what your plans for the future are, keep this knowledge at the forefront of your life. It can help keep you going in the direction that you truly desire.

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