Cynical Realism

(Proverbs 26:25 KJV)  When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

Some people call me a cynic.  I have been accused of being negative.  I am sure that it would appear that way to some people.  There are even times, places and situations where it is true.  I prefer to think of myself as a realist.  I am always looking for motive and track record.  I consider the source and consult my common sense.  Recently there have been a spate of radio commercials that guarantee a good rate of return with no loss of principle if the economy crashes.  Sounds good.  The truth is probably in the fine print.  I know enough about economics to know that the higher the rate of return, the greater the risk.  When savings accounts are bragging about paying slightly over 1% and this company is guaranteeing 7% with no risk my baloney meter goes off.

We are approaching an election.  It seems like we are always approaching an election.  You may be looking at annual meetings at your church.  Tax time is a few months away.  You need to practice discernment.  That is true even if the big decision you need to make is the brand of corn flakes you are going to buy.

So?  God’s people are to be pleasant and courteous.  They are not supposed to be gullible.  If you give the panhandler a dollar and don’t know he will probably use it in ways you would not approve then you need to take a class in reality.  You may give it anyway but do it without living in a fantasy world.