The last few weeks reveal developments that give some ray of hope for Zimbabwe. I was particularly impressed by young people taking up leadership responsibility on issues affecting our country. Pastor Evan Mawarire did not disappoint. This was unlike another shining star, in the mould of Acie Lumumba who just spoilt his stardom by using an ‘F’ word against the State President. I would encourage the young man to read the story of David from 1 Samuel chapter 16 onward.
Nevertheless, the developments demonstrated the importance of taking responsibility on issues affecting our nation. There is no reason for people to invalidate themselves and suppose things can change for the better without doing anything. What prevails is an effect of what was caused by not doing anything since 1980. We lived in a culture where anyone attempting to say or do anything, got invalidated. Each person took comfort in considering him/herself as a nobody, compared with those in authority.
The problem starts with succumbing to acceptance of being inferior. This is then followed by pride that results from inferiority complex. When an inferior person gets promoted, he/she struggles with feelings of threat from those considered as rivals.
This may appear as portraying a problem with our President and those in leadership positions. Although this also applies to ordinary people in all walks of life. The cynical question common with inferior people is: “Who do you think you are?” Others then suppose that godliness implies being quiet, even when leaders go wrong.
But, human beings were not created to be zombies, according to scriptures. The starting point is with the understanding of Genesis 1:26. Human beings were created to have dominion over everything God created. That scripture implies that the responsibility of ensuring that things are in order lies with humanity.
We were all created in the image of God, but with diverse responsibilities to ensure that there is order in our surrounding. While everything was lost at the Garden of Eden, Jesus came to restore that responsibility.
To understand this better, let us first analyze the significance of the scripture in Isaiah 9:6: “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (ESV).
This scripture bears two realities; a child born (Jesus) and a son given (Christ). The individual referred to, carries both the limitations of Adam and the unlimited power of God, yet being a gift to humanity. This significance helps us as humanity to appreciate our responsibility on earth, before Adam.
Christ said if we had faith as little as mustard seed, we would be able to control and achieve anything. That ability is possible with humanity, created in God’s image. We should not lose focus. The purpose of Jesus was to restore God’s image in us, which was lost at the Garden of Eden.
The created humanity was supposed to represent God’s Kingdom, bestowed on them at creation. Only when bestowed with God’s kingdom, can humanity exercise dominion over God’s creation, as implied in Genesis 1:26. Christ came specifically to restore that dominion, which implies God’s Kingdom.
There is no other good news surpassing the news that Christ came to restore the lost Kingdom. Unfortunately, Satan continues to succeed in misleading people to portray the gospel as one of the meaningless religions of this world. Self-centredness leads people to focus on personal salvation, without the responsibility to serve others.
Most Christians suppose that humility implies degrading oneself and others and worshipping those considered superior. Yet all humans were created in God’s image, to be considered equally. This is what James tried to put across to his congregants (James 2:1-4). Also Paul painstakingly tried to address it in Romans 12:3-14 and 1 Corinthians 12. Each person has special gifts peculiar to their respective talents and abilities, but no-one should be regarded as better or superior.
This is a problem that exists, even in churches, yet Christ specifically stated how Christians were to behave (Matthew 23:8-12). The truth is that each person is great, in his/her own right, because he/she was created in God’s image. The least among those in God’s Kingdom is greater than John the Baptist (Matthew 11:11). Yet John the Baptist was the greatest among all the prophets who ever lived.
When one ceases to be a respecter of persons, he/she takes responsibility to address issues according to abilities bestowed on him/her. There is no need to think of other people as if superior or inferior. All human beings were created in God’s image. Having abilities that others do not have does not necessarily make one greater than them. In fact, assuming being greater is like assuming being greater than God and this is the only problem that disqualifies most Christians.
If other people display laxity on areas where one has strengths, that bestows responsibility on that particular person to address their problems. Condemning them is condemning oneself. This is why Jesus taught that people should not judge (Matthew 7:1-4). Had Moses condemned his fellow Israelites after their Golden Calf incident, he would have condemned himself (Exodus 32:11. We are our brother’s keepers not their condemners.
Zimbabwe is unique. People display peacefulness even though being brutally harassed by a police force trained to treat people in barbarism. That alone is an example of why I have always insisted that Zimbabwe will some day, emerge as a greatest civilization on this planet.
People like Pastor Evan Mawarire are currently the torch bearers. I suppose others will follow suit. Let us put everything behind and endeavor to make this country a jewel of other nations. Bad experiences have advantages, as long as people adopt good lessons from such experiences (James 1:2). Paul also showed that all things work together for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28). What is most commendable is Zimbabwe’s persistent peacefulness as a country. May this continue, regardless of brutalization, until God reveals His greatness?
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing reliefs to those having witnessed strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social instability. In a simple conversational tone, most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long awaited providential oasis of hope.
The Print copy is now available at Amazon.com for $13.99
Also available as an e-copy at Lulu.com for $6.99