A Christian is defined as someone who adheres to the teachings of Jesus directly, without intermediaries. Such individuals are not easily misled, as they are mindful of assessing information based on Jesus’ teachings. This involves recognizing that Jesus is unparalleled. While humans can discuss Christianity, each individual must discern truth from falsehood. The teachings of Jesus ensure that one cannot abandon Christianity by holding another person responsible. This is plain truth, yet it is frequently overlooked by many, drawn to Christianity.
The shortcomings of Christianity can be attributed to a lack of understanding of the key principle mentioned above. Some individuals are regarded as authorities on Christian doctrine yet contradict the explicit teachings of Jesus on matters of practising Christianity. Jesus instructed His disciples to refrain from teaching and reject teachings from any source other than Himself, asserting His unique authority with the statement,
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” “And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ” (Matthew 23:10 NKJV). The critical challenge is convincing those in positions of authority within modern Christian communities to heed such admonitions. No other incursion into Christianity has as destructive an impact as the pervasive authoritarian culture found globally within the faith. Absent these authoritative figures, deception within Christianity would cease to exist.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:1-6 NKJV).
Interpreting the aforementioned Scripture seriously could, therefore, resolve all issues within the practice of Christianity. Culture often impacts humanity adversely, whether it pertains to Christian practices or other secular approaches to problem-solving. Jesus suggested that offending even a single child of God could bar one from the Kingdom of Heaven. He emphasized that believers should always remain as humble as young children. Furthermore, Jesus affirmed that the way Christians are treated is akin to how one would treat Jesus himself. This provides an alternative viewpoint on Christian practices.
The metaphor of a millstone tied around someone’s neck symbolizes the improbability of granting an offender a second chance. How is it expected for a person burdened with a millstone to stay afloat? Yet, there is comfort in knowing that Jesus’ grace is plentiful for those who earnestly pursue repentance. The workings of God’s Kingdom are unlike anything on earth. A prevalent error is the assumption that God’s judgment mirrors worldly standards. In reality, the principles of God’s Kingdom are incomparable to worldly measures.
“Woe to the world because of offences! For offences must come, but woe to that man by whom the offence comes! If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire” (Matthew 18:7-9 NKJV).
Jesus foretold the prevalence of such offences in the world and emphasized the severity of their impact. Christianity presents numerous danger signs that are often overlooked by the relevant parties. To convey the seriousness required in addressing these issues, Jesus spoke of amputation as a metaphor, acknowledging human stubbornness, particularly in matters affecting one’s ego. The notion that Christianity is a trivial affair was likely disseminated by someone serving the devil’s purpose effectively. However, there was no ambiguity in Jesus’ teachings. Exploring one of Jesus’ most misunderstood parables can offer profound insights.
“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray” (Matthew 12-13 NKJV).
A cursory view of the above parable can be mistaken for imprudence. How can a good shepherd leave the ninety-nine sheep at the mercy of the wolves, concerned with only one lost in the mountains? Common sense suggests prudence in concentrating on looking after the ninety-nine, rather than worrying about the unpredictable one out in the mountains. Nevertheless, Jesus was not looking at it from that angle. The parable focuses on the condemnation of the flock masquerading as Christians when contaminated by one in the position of authority. Under such an authority, it was assumed that the entire flock would be safe and thus condemned, while the unpredictable sinner, not part of this group, would be saved instead.
The issue of humility is often approached casually by many, who are unaware of the seriousness with which Jesus regards it. The extent of falsehoods afflicting Christianity is staggeringly vast. People seek safety in groups, finding comfort in numbers, yet that is where the greatest danger lies. It is conceivable that a single sheep lost in the mountains is rescued, while the ninety-nine remain, falsely secure. The essence of Christianity is recognizing it as a solitary journey. Being baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit signifies a personal transformation that does not involve the one performing the baptism.
The significance of baptism is that it brings one under the influence of the Holy Spirit, aligning them with Jesus’ teachings and acknowledging God as the sole Father. The baptized individual should recognize the profound implication of baptism, which is to depend solely on God, independent of so-called authorities. However, this does not mean disregarding insights from others. It empowers the individual to discern information about Christianity through the lens of Jesus’ teachings. As a Child of God, that person confidently dismisses anything not rooted in those teachings. An individual arising from a properly performed baptism should be seen not as ordinary, but as one who embodies the spirit of Jesus.
When an individual is conscious of their true identity, they become impervious to offence. Their conviction lies not in the words or actions of others, but in the teachings of Jesus as documented in the Scriptures. It is acknowledged that the Holy Spirit may guide them in matters not explicitly detailed in the Scriptures. However, they do not accept at face value the words of others that are not clearly inscribed in the Scriptures. Nowadays, many are swayed by titles bestowed upon individuals, which can obscure their intellectual discernment.
Some believers assume the role of gatekeepers, dictating the behaviour of others. While no directive compels a Christian to shun such individuals, maintaining one’s convictions in alignment with Jesus’ teachings is crucial. This stance may also aid a Bishop who could be misguided. Christianity imparts the duty of being our brother’s keeper. It is not enough to fault another Christian for misdeeds; one must also highlight the potential mistakes, as Jesus exemplified in His interactions with the Jews.
Throughout many instances, Jesus evaded being stoned by Jewish zealots who did not understand the truth. He did not attempt to distance Himself from the Jewish community, even though they rejected Him. Staying true to His Father’s teachings and faithful, He demonstrated that a person with a pure heart does not give in to feelings of hurt. It is the individual who harbours malice and, therefore, tends to take offence when insulted. Despite facing many insults, Jesus never succumbed to being easily offended.
Perhaps the gravest offence was the association of Jesus with Beelzebub, the prince of demons. This might be deemed the ultimate insult, given that Jesus, as the Christ, possessed the most exalted title in human history. Such a crime could be viewed as more heinous than treason, which is commonly considered to be a crime against the state. Yet, even when faced with such despicable treatment, Jesus maintained composure, choosing not to take offence, despite being the Christ.
Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the multitudes were amazed and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons” (Matthew 12:22-24 NKJV).
“Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come” (Matthew 12:31-32 NIV).
The linking of Jesus with Beelzebub was designed to be deeply offensive. It would seem most sensible to keep away from such antagonism. However, Jesus chose to overlook it and continued to associate with those who insulted him. He instructed his disciples to embrace joy amidst such scorn. Perhaps the most profound insult Jesus faced was during his crucifixion, where he was subjected to a torrent of unfounded accusations without the chance for a defence. Through this, Jesus demonstrated the core principles of Christianity. To be a Christian is to avoid holding grudges when wronged. Unfounded criticisms are to be anticipated against Jesus’ followers.
Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.” And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?” Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?” (John 18:20-23 NKJV).
Many people seek to identify with Christianity but hesitate to face harsh criticism. Jesus warned of the many offences that would come. It’s important to reflect on the different offences that affect individuals in Christianity. Some feel offended if their attendance isn’t recognized according to their liking. Others might be upset after donating financial support but without adequate acknowledgement. A pastor’s unintentionally offensive remarks could deter someone from church. Truly, as Jesus suggested, there are innumerable potential sources of offence within the Church.
Identifying with Jesus, who endured grave insults, a Christian should not be easily offended. Every Christian must be their brother’s keeper. Recognizing that all humans are equal in the sight of God, makes it illogical to criticize others as if assuming to be better than them. Christians bear the responsibility of representing Jesus, sharing the same compassion for others as He does. Instead of condemning, Christians seek to redeem, reflecting the grace of Jesus in their actions.
For Christians, it is believed that all events unfold according to God’s will; thus, they are taught to pray, “Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Joseph embodied this principle. When his brothers were consumed by guilt, he comforted them, stating that he bore no grudge for their actions, as they were instrumental in God’s plan to preserve lives. Essentially, nothing befalls God’s children without His knowledge. The belief suggests that it is quite improbable for a Christian to take offence.
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.” So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.” ’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.
Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:15-20 NKJV).
True Christianity may not be measured solely by ethical conduct, but rather by a willingness to forgive others. For true Christians, taking offence is a luxury they cannot afford to indulge in. This characterizes someone who has shown a readiness to forsake all to follow Christ, as described in Luke 14:25-35. Such an individual is not ordinary, even if regarded with contempt. A Christian is a sibling of Jesus, sharing a destiny akin to that of Jesus. One cannot be a Christian and expect to be treated differently than Jesus was.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the 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 relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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