Cynical leaders don’t last long.
The word cynic began to be used around 1600 in reference to ancient philosophers who could only offer sneering sarcasm as a philosophy of life. It seems to me, the foundation of a cynic’s life is the absence of belief in anything. It’s much easier to sneer and scoff in the absence of a belief system.
The apostle Paul exhorted the Corinthians to understand that love “bears all things and believes all things.” His teaching must have been hard on the ears considering the Corinthian lifestyle. At the time of Paul’s letter, the Corinthians were noted for being selfish and riddled with every type of perversion.
It isn’t difficult to develop a spirit of cynicism. Leaders are often disappointed by people. There are many hurts, attacks and loyalty losses that contribute to a cynic’s philosophy.
Sometimes, the fiercest enemy of a leader is a good memory.
One of my favorite Proverbs is “Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended” (Prov. 22:10, NIV).
“Driving out” the mocker is more difficult than “Driving Miss Daisy.” I read this verse as something I must first do within me. Yet, not I, but the Spirit of God which dwells within me must do the driving. I want any spirit of mocking and blocking to be driven out of me.
A sharp wit and the tongue which accompanies it aren’t to be used as weapons.
An effective leader’s love never fails.
“… For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things. …” (Matt. 12:34-35).
