Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Michael Carter's avatar

"Somehow, I need to thread that needle: acknowledge and confront “evil,” but do so without becoming cynical and bitter myself."

.

There is a temptation, often tempered by employers and self-styled diplomats, to water-down the message in such a way that those most deserving of its pointy end don't get the pointy end, much less see it.

Christ's message is offensive to self-righteousness - necessarily so, because true righteousness is required to live. Self-righteousness kills; it destroys, poisons and consumes even the people you love. Jesus didn't water down the message for the Scribes and Pharisees, neither should you or I.

I have committed to not watering down the message. The difference is -- changing the truth to be more palatable is watering down. Writing and speaking it with love takes practice and is much harder.

.

Cynicism and bitterness are things everyone must deal with. Unforgiveness is the fountain of youth from which bitterness drinks. Cynicism is only healthy when you commit to recognizing and tempering it - unrecognized cynicism is toxic. Recognized and controlled cynicism will help you keep frosty and prevent you from getting suckered by those who seek to spitefully use you.

Expand full comment
William Hunter Duncan's avatar

It has been very fun to follow your writing, and I hope we get to meet IRL some day. You and Yuri both inspired me to make fun of these mthrfckrs. Thanks, and here's to an epic 2024 met with dignity, strength and laughter.

Expand full comment
25 more comments...

No posts