One of the most exciting concepts that many encountered as a result of their association with the Church of God was the gospel of the coming kingdom of God. Attending the annual Holy Days to learn more about the plan of God and the purpose of human life was important. The scriptural promise that the reward of true Christians is to rule with Jesus Christ when He returns was eye opening. The opportunity to restore this battered planet and re-orient human civilization to God’s way of life was inspiring. Life, which for many had been empty, seemed to finally take on real meaning. Learning, growing and overcoming now had a purpose.
However, the turbulence in the Church during the last decade has affected the outlook of thousands of people. Many no longer attend the annual Holy Days—or even Sabbath services. They have returned to keeping holidays of pagan origin. Many now follow other gospels—of love, grace, or good works. Some have rediscovered the rituals of the Old Testament. For some the kingdom of God is here right now—for others it’s only a metaphor. The preference today is to interpret the Bible for one’s self. Confusion, disagreement and disbelief abound. Many have even become disillusioned with organized religion.
What about you? Have problems in the Church, division in the ministry and confusion in congregations weakened or shattered your basic beliefs? Do you still believe the gospel? Is God still working through His Church? Do you still want to be in the kingdom of God—or have you lost interest or changed your focus? Is it possible that you could be disqualifying yourself from the rewards God has promised to individuals specifically called to become the firstfruits of His family?
If you have grown skeptical and uncertain, there is a fundamental truth you need to remember: problems in thechurch do not change the gospel. Jesus Christ came “preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God.” The essence of His message was “repent, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:14–15). The apostles conveyed the same message (Acts 2:38; 8:12–13). God’s true Church will still be preaching that same gospel today. When a young lawyer asked Jesus what he had to do to inherit eternal life in the kingdom of God, Jesus said, “keep the commandments” (Matthew 19:16–22; Luke 10:25–37). Jesus’ reference to the Ten Commandments would include the necessity to keep the weekly and the annual Sabbaths, as well as learning how to love our neighbor. The Bible plainly reveals that God is only calling a few at this time to be the firstfruits in His kingdom (I Corinthians 1:26–29). To be called now to understand the gospel is a unique and special privilege (John 6:44, 65–66: I Peter 2:9–10). Peter urges us to “make your calling and election sure” (II Peter 1:10).The big question is how do we do this? How do we avoid becoming skeptical and cynical? Where do we look for the answers?
The Lesson of Israel
Many assume that the Old Testament is no longer relevant to New Testament Christianity—yet nothing could be further from the truth! Notice Paul’s admonition to the early Church to learn from and not follow the unfortunate example of ancient Israel. You have to know the story to get the point of Paul’s warning! The Israelites were chosen by God for a special purpose (Exodus 19:5–6). They saw God supernaturally deliver them from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 4–14). They knew their promised reward was the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:1; Exodus 3:8; Joshua 1:2). God had promised to be with them. Yet Paul recounts how these same Israelites provoked God to anger by departing from and rebelling against His instructions. As a result, “they could not enter in [into the promised land] because of unbelief ” (Hebrews 3:7–19). The Israeliteslost theirreward because they sinned (v. 17). They chose not tobelieve God. An entire generation died in the wilderness because they lost their confidence in God and His promises. Paul’s earnest plea is “let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest (attain the promised reward), lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:11).
The vital lesson for us is to understand what the sin of unbelief involved! What did the Israelites do that so angeredGod that they lost their promised reward? What did they do that was so bad? Paul does not elaborate on the details, but the Old Testament does—and the details are instructive and applicable to us today! We can learn important lessons from the costly mistakes of the Israelites—if we recognize that we, too, have the same tendencies. But just what are the signs and symptoms of disbelief?
A description of Israel’s provocative actions is found in Numbers 13 and 14. It is worth reading. Moses sent men to search out the Promised Land. On their return they reported their findings. Most described a bountiful land, but said it would be impossible and futile to proceed because the people there were too big and too powerful to conquer. These gloomy and negative reports stirred up the people. The entire nation of Israel was angered and disturbed. Joshua and Caleb tried to remind the people to remember and trust in God’s promises, but their admonitions fell on deaf ears! The people became cynical and sarcastic, grumbling and complaining against Moses and his leadership.They accused him of leading them to disaster and death in the wilderness. They proposed selecting new leaders and returning to Egypt where they at least had food to eat. They even wanted to stone Joshua and Caleb for urging them to remember and follow God’s instructions.
These were the actions of disbelief that angered God. Israel had seen God’s power. They knew they were a chosen people. They understood what their promised reward was to be, yet they were disinherited and denied entrance to the Promised Land because they chose not to believe God. They lost confidence in God’s ability to guide His chosen leaders and bring to pass what He had promised. In rejecting Moses’ leadership, God said the Israelites had rejected Him! (Numbers 14:11). It was for this cynical attitude and repeatedly doubting and testing God that an entire generation wandered for forty years and died in the wilderness—never having received the promised reward.
A Lesson for Today
But was this cynical attitude of disbelief limited just to the Israelites of old? Hardly! This is a human problem we all have to wrestle with and overcome. Cynical people are critical of others, pessimistic, skeptical, complaining, fault-finding, distrustful, depressed, and disbelieving. They are lacking in faith and trust, not optimistic, not confident, not sure, not joyful or cheerful. Bible prophecy reveals this same attitude will be prevalent as we approach the end of the age. Peter writes, “scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts [following their own ideas]…they willfully forget” (II Peter 3:3–5). Peter states such individuals will promote “destructive heresies” and use “deceptive words” that will lead many astray and cause people to turn against the truth (II Peter2:1–3). He describes these cynical individuals as “pre-sumptuous, self-willed; they are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries” (2:10). They will undermine the faith of any-one who listens to their ideas and opinions.
Paul writes similarly, “in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves [their own ideas, etc]…proud, blasphemers…lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power…from such people turn away!” (IITimothy 3:1–5). He also states, “the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (II Timothy 4:1–5). Paul and Peter are essentially saying that the cynical attitudes of disbelief that plagued the ancient Israelites will also create problems at the end of the age. If we fail to recognize this we, too, could lose our reward!
Even Patriarchs and Apostles
It is tempting to assume that only the weak and those not really called will be caught up in such cynical attitudes. However, the Scriptures warn against making such an assumption. Most of the prominent biblical characters had bouts with cynicism. Abraham, in his old age, laughed out loud when God promised him a son. God named the son Isaac (meaning laughter) to remind Abraham of his skepticism and disbelief. Moses made so many excuses when God told him he would be used to deliver Israel from Egypt that God chose to use Aaron as the spokesman (Exodus 4). David wrestled with the temptation to become cynical (see Psalm 73).
Jesus had to deal with skepticism—even among men He chose to become Apostles. In Jesus’ hometown disbelief limited what He could do. People could only see him as the kid down the street, the carpenter’s son. They couldn’t believe He was the Messiah spoken of in the Scriptures(Matthew 13:53–58). Jesus told His disciples their inability to heal a child was due to their unbelief (Matthew 17:14–21). When Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection these same disciples refused to believe her eyewitness account (Mark 16:9–14). The doubts of Thomas, another disciple, are legendary (John 20:24–29). However, God used these same individuals—as they were able to overcome their doubt and cynicism.
Banishing Doubts
How do we effectively battle cynical attitudes? How do we overcome doubt and pessimism? The solution involves getting our perspectives straightened out. David learned this vital lesson. He writes, “I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked…when I thought how to understand this it was too painful for me—until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end” (Psalms73:3,16–17). David gained a valuable perspective when He looked to God and His word for understanding. David came to realize “the entirety of Your word is true” (Psalms 119:160). He described God’s word as “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (119:105). David’s cynicism evaporated as he learned to trust in God and His instructions. Jesus told His disciples that God’s word “is truth” and that a knowledge of the word of God will set us free—from doubt and fear (John 17:17; 8:32). We, too, can share that experience if we study and believe what God has inspired in the Bible.
Many have become discouraged and disillusioned over problems in the Church, yet Jesus promised “I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). God’s Church will continue to exist, although it is prophesied to be small (Luke 12:32), scattered (John 16:32), and persecuted (Matthew 24:9). True Christians must endure and persevere to receive their reward (Matthew 24:13; Revelation 3:10–11). They must hold on faithfully to what they have been taught (Titus 1:9) to avoid losing their crown. Christians must resist becoming critical, skeptical and cynical. We cannot give in to this type of temptation. We must believe God and act on that belief.
Personal trials can also be difficult. It is easy to become pessimistic, yet here again the challenge for us is to believe what God has promised. Paul writes “we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Can we trust God on this? Have you seen this work in your life? Paul told the church in Corinth, “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (I Corinthians 10:13). Will we choose to believe God, or will we blame God for trials—as Satan tried to get Job to do (Job 2:9)? Job did not give in to this temptation. Trials can help us grow and build character—and faith— if we understand this is part of God’s purpose and we respond accordingly (James 1:2–4).
The cure for cynicism is developing faith and trust in God and His word. We are told “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). It takes courage and determination to seek and trust in God—especially in an age of skepticism and disbelief. Jesus told His disciples if they would ask, seek and knock that God would hear and respond (Matthew 7:7–8). Scripture states, “the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him” (II Chronicles 16:9). God wants us to develop faith in Him. Chapter 11 of Hebrews provides a list of individuals who developed that kind of faith. It merits study.
Christian Leaders
Christians are called to become leaders in the kingdom of God and to rule on this earth with Jesus Christ (Daniel 7:27; Matthew 19:28; Revelation 5:10). Part of the challenge of becoming a Christian involves coming out of this world and leaving negative ways of thinking behind (II Corinthians 6:11–18). Our goal is to develop the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5–6). Real Christians are learning to exercise the fruits of God’s Holy Spirit— love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).They are determined to add to their faith such qualities as virtue (courage, confidence, resoluteness), knowledge and discernment so they can function effectively as members of God’s governing family (II Peter 1:5–11). Christ-like individuals are positive, objective and optimistic. They are inspiring to be around. They are principled, focused, caring and solution-oriented. They are not negative, skeptical, critical and cynical.
Effective leaders must develop the courage to reject cynicism. One authority on leadership has observed, “youcan’t indulge in the luxury of cynicism and still expect to build the trust and optimism needed to inspire effective teams of people who make a difference” (Bethel, Making a Difference: Twelve Qualities That Make You a Leader,
1990). This same author notes that “cynicism… requires no courage…doesn’t solve problems, expand relation-ships, or provide positive energy for the tasks we face.” Anyone who aspires to real and effective servant leader-ship must develop a positive, confident, constructive, cooperative outlook on life.
The American poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson, once wrote, “people don’t seem to realize that their opinion of the world reflects their character.” Godly character is not critical, skeptical and cynical. It is positive, confident and optimistic. This was the “different spirit” that God saw in Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 13:30; 14:6–9, 24). Paul emphasizes this same theme in his advice to the Philippians, “finally, brethren, whatever things are true…noble…just… pure…lovely…of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy— meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
God is looking for individuals who are developing the mind and character of Jesus Christ to be leaders in His coming Kingdom. If we allow ourselves to doubt God, become skeptical of His promises, critical of His Church and leaders, distrustful of brethren and pessimistic about the future—we are on our way to losing out on our promised reward. Let’s not disqualify ourselves. Let’s learn from the Israelites. Let’s not make the same mistake they made of becoming cynical and committing the sin of unbelief. Let’s ask God to help us recognize our short-comings, see how to change and grow to become positive and powerful leaders He can use to re-educate this world. Let’s believe God and trust in his word!