I was shocked!

My days as general manager of a Christian radio station in Dallas gave me some wonderful and unique opportunities. One occurred many years ago at a large gathering of station listeners at a mega church in the area. I had the privilege of introducing well-known pastor, speaker, and radio preacher Chuck Swindoll. His program Insight for Living had run on our station for many years, and we had become acquainted through that relationship and National Religious Broadcasters.

As part of the evening, I was to do a brief interview with Dr. Swindoll to give the audience some insight to the man behind the wonderful programs and messages. I remember us taking our place on a platform, and as I was about to ask my first question, Chuck interrupted me with a question of his own.

“Ron, how do you keep from becoming cynical?”

I was stunned. Shocked. I was supposed to be asking the questions, and rather easy ones at that. His question floored me. It came out of left field. I don’t remember exactly how I responded, but it must have been acceptable. The conversation flowed and the audience got a bit more than they expected.

I have thought of that moment often. Sometimes I just think about how Chuck Swindoll rendered me almost speechless. But I also think deeper…of the questions itself. It must have been something this great spiritual leader had dealt with personally in his ministry. Certainly, it is something that all in leadership, especially in spiritual leadership, deal with at some point in their ministry.

Maybe you have been there. The dictionary definition of the word “cynical” is “believing that people are motivated by self-interest and being distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.” Yep. I’ve been there. And, yes, even in the Christian media world. And when we see it, it is hard not to be cynical ourselves.

As we see great spiritual leaders tumble and fall, as we see ministries discredited due to self-serving leadership and a drift from the original vision, people understandably become cynical. John Maxwell addressed this in a leadership blog a couple of years ago:

“In a time of cynicism, leaders inspire people—one of the most challenging things for a leader to do is balance reality with vision.”

Ok…that addresses the corporate situation, but what happens when you become cynical? That’s probably what Chuck Swindoll was asking me about those years ago. We may call it by other names. Being spiritually dry or calloused.

Swindoll addressed the topic quite bluntly in a message:

“THIS IS A ROTTEN WORLD. And some people just can’t be trusted. And con men (and women) and phonies and charlatans are out there, ready to rip us off.”

But Swindoll gives great advice…biblical advice.

“I’ve learned over the years…that cynicism can quickly set in, bringing only heartache and bitterness. God offers us a better way:

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do.

Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

Recognize that? It’s from Philippians 4:4-8. The key words for me in that passage are pray about everything. Everything! Is your prayer life lagging? Pray about it. Are you struggling in your leadership role due to other people and their selfish ways? Pray about it. Then strive once again for excellence to honor the Lord and to accomplish His calling in your life and ministry. Lead. Inspire. For the Lord’s sake and His purpose.

Cynicism has no place in the life of a leader.

God’s best…