How to combat cynicism? Whatever…
Have you ever found yourself uttering this word when a conversation is going nowhere?
I know I have. The word is usually expressed under my breath with a slight negative shake of the head and an exaggerated eye roll for good measure.
It’s ugly and rude and dismissive.
Our society has become more and more cynical. Cynicism breeds distrust, disappointment, and discontent.
Philippians 4:8 Gives Us A Formula to Combat Cynicism
The use of this whatever word as slang didn’t come into existence until centuries after Paul shares his whatever word. The definition of his word is the no matter what kind, not the what will be will be kind.
To combat this cynical whatever attitude is to embrace the whatever in Philippians 4:8.
Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
What’s the payoff for doing so? It’s in verse 9. The God of peace will be with you.
So, the next time you find yourself wanting to say, whatever to someone, stop and think if there is anything worthy to say. Or you may find that you don’t need to say anything at all.
You will combat cynicism by cultivating peace within yourself and providing peace to others.
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