Falling Down

Cynical 1. Believing or showing the belief that people

are motivated chiefly by base or selfish concerns; skeptical of the motives of others: a cynical dismissal of the politician's promise to reform the campaign finance system.

2. Selfishly or callously calculating: showed a cynical disregard for the safety of his troops in his efforts to advance his reputation

3. Negative or pessimistic, as from world-weariness: a cynical view of the average voter's intelligence

4. Expressing jaded or scornful skepticism or negativity: cynical laughter

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for

tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Have you found yourself being cynical towards people either on or off the job?

How did you feel afterwards? Did you feel you could have handled the situation better?

How do you think that God would want you to handle the situation?

The idea of cynicism and and of being bitter, seems to be most true for anyone who works with the general public and who can become understandably grouchy over a period of time

What are some professions where this may occur?

Give examples of how this manifests itself in your line of work?

A major factor behind most of our stress could be that we are too busy living a life being critical without allowing God to share in our lives

Being negative is from Satan James 1:16-17

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Satan would like for us to focus on our own self-issues and the negativity found in both our lives and our jobs. Whenever we do this our minds are not focusing on God but rather on ourselves.

Proverbs 14:29 Whoever is patient has great understanding,

but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,

forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Exodus 34:6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The

LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,

Proverbs 29:22 An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-

tempered person commits many sins.

Often times we fail to understand that our cynicism, worry, stress, and anger come from us trying to handle our own problems instead of turning them over to God.

As Law Enforcement or other jobs where we are taught to make quick decisions we tend to try to rely on ourselves in all aspects of life.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not

on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

This attitude of going it alone is often referred to as spiritual immaturity. God never intended for us to be a Lone Ranger Christian. It has always been his desire to see us connected to the Church ; the Body of Christ.

Hebrews 10:25 Let us not giving up meeting together, as some

are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

God repeatedly makes reference to us being part of a church family

Law Enforcement see man’s inhumanity too man

What inhumanity have you seen on the job?

Romans 13:4 For he is God’s servant to do you good.

Anyone who is God’s servant and given authority to do good works will possess a certain amount of Godly Strength and character.

As peace officers we can easily forget about our purpose in serving God, and instead become distracted with our own problems

When this happens our spiritual strength can come under attack by Satan and he (Satan) magnifies our problems so that they seem to become too difficult to overcome.

1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil

prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

What is your personal stress, cynicism, worry, or anger that impacts your life?

How can you better release this stress, cynicism, worry, or anger?

Philippians 4:4-6 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Read 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for

you. Proverbs 14:29

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

Ephesians 4:26 In your anger do not sin” Do not let the sun go

down while you are still angry, Isaiah 41:13

For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.