Leadership is deemed necessary only for those who do not recognize the foundational role of Jesus’ teachings. Leadership is a prerequisite for the physical existence of humans, yet irrelevant to spiritual entities. The difficulties faced by many nations stem from a lack of leadership, which is vital for the survival of physical humanity. This situation is expected to persist until the second coming of Jesus Christ. After the Day of Judgment, following the millennium, those who have entered God’s Kingdom will possess omniscience and will no longer require guidance. This concept is among the revelations of the mysteries of God’s Kingdom.
Christianity, which encompasses God’s children, often negates the necessity for worldly leadership. Yet, it also includes those moving from the physical to the spiritual realm, where leadership and guidance remain essential. Baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, an enlightened Christian assesses all things through the lens of Jesus’ teachings. These individuals are diligent in verification, akin to the Bereans, who did not blindly follow but verified everything to ensure alignment with God’s word.
Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds. Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there. So those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed (Acts 17:10-15 NKJV).
The passage underlines an intriguing point: it was the brethren who dispatched Paul and Silas to Berea, indicating that Paul was not the leader but rather a member of the congregation involved in the decision. The Bereans did not merely respect Paul and Silas for their apostleship; they verified if their teachings aligned with the Scriptures. This demonstrates that discerning Christians do not simply give unconditional approval to preachers. Additionally, no evidence indicates that the early disciples were held in esteem by their contemporaries.
Paul struggled with individuals who attempted to bestow upon him the respect typically reserved for secular leaders. He often pointed out their immaturity in understanding the Scriptures, preferring to discuss foundational teachings rather than delve into deeper matters. Paul’s ministry was particularly directed at Gentiles, who lacked a foundation in ethical living and responsibility. Many of his recommendations were not direct teachings of Christ. For example, his directive that women should not speak in church indicates cultural issues that hindered the gospel. Devout Christians should understand how to interpret gospel messages within Paul’s teachings to the Gentiles.
“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?” (1 Corinthians 3:1-4 NKJV).
In Christian matters, leaders should not be blamed when things go awry. When following baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a Christian receives guidance directly from Jesus. This does not preclude listening to others, but it does place the onus on individuals to verify teachings against Scripture. Anything that contradicts the teachings of Jesus should be rejected. Consequently, the Church is not always a place of harmony. Although Christians may agree according to the teachings of Jesus, it is unrealistic to expect perpetual peace within God’s Church.
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
“Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household? Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed and hidden that will not be known” (Matthew 10:16-26 NKJV).
It may be assumed that a Church where the brethren are always in agreement may not truly represent God’s Church. Indeed, the goal within God’s Church is unity among the brethren, yet this is not always feasible. Paul devoted the entirety of Romans chapter 14 to addressing issues leading to needless discord. Humans are inherently conflicted by two opposing principles. Maturity is characterized by the capacity to manage these differences while upholding the law of love. Jesus proposed a principle that highlights the unattainability of perfection in our mortal existence, regarding forgiving others.
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.
“But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
“But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved and came and told their master all that had been done.
“Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses” (Matthew 18:21-35 NKJV).
The phrase “seventy times seven” symbolizes a boundless capacity to forgive others. Thus, it can be inferred that Christianity advocates for the ceaseless forgiving of one’s adversaries. The semblance of harmonious relationships may indicate pretence rather than authenticity. Truthful Christians do not seek to please people, particularly those in positions of authority. True Christians are candid and genuine in their efforts to rectify issues. They do not show partiality towards individuals, akin to the practices seen in secular organizations.
For example, an ethically questionable Member of Parliament is addressed as “Honourable” despite private discussions of their malevolent actions. This behaviour is termed “diplomacy” in the secular world, yet it is tinged with hypocrisy. Christians ought to be recognized for their candour regarding the truth. Such a stand on integrity may lead to persecution, a mark of one’s Christian identity. The inability of Christians to help leaders to address mistakes has contributed to Christianity being mocked, rather than fostering a culture of principles within communities.
Christian communities often passively concur with leaders, even against their own consciences. Upon realizing they were deceived, they become malicious against that leader and struggle to forgive him or her. This reflects a misunderstanding of Christian responsibility. Ideally, they should have challenged the leader on points that contradict Scripture. However, due to a lack of understanding, some perceive this as disrespectful, mirroring the secular world’s pretentious norms. In such contexts, confronting a leader is often seen as discourteous. This is caused by assuming that Christianity is led by human leaders, stemming from unawareness of Jesus’ teachings.
“But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves nor do you allow those who are entering to go in” (Matthew 23:8-13 NKJV).
Blaming leaders reflects a misunderstanding of Christian principles. In Christianity, all believers are considered their brothers’ keepers, irrespective of any authoritative roles. Presently, “Pastor” is a prevalent title within Christianity, signifying a shepherd, yet this role extends to all Christians. Every Christian doesn’t need to be labelled as “Pastor,” though, just as it is unnecessary to label them as “Christians.” This stems from the belief that baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit represents Christ. Hierarchical categorization of Christians is a common practice, yet it lacks support from biblical teachings.
“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:26-29 NKJV).
Regrettably, some of Paul’s writings, which seem popular in Christian communities, do not align with Christ’s teachings. It appears those that indisputably align with Jesus’ teachings are often neglected. Consider the revered doctrinal Scriptures that address the ordination of elders and deacons. While not directly linked to Jesus’ teachings, the ordination doctrine is nonetheless favoured. It is embraced as a vital doctrine among Christians, potentially fostering unity, albeit diverging from Jesus’ teachings. Humanity’s tangible nature finds this structure quite satisfactory.
Christianity isn’t bound to align with secular reasoning or logic. It functions as a spiritual entity, independent of human ordinations and structures. For example, an individual may be considered for a certain function, yet God may have different plans for their ministry. The spiritual gifts described in 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 aren’t conferred by any pastor or church authority. Gifts are divinely granted for the Church’s edification and thrive when each member exercises their talents independently. Where Christians act as brethren, without one overseeing another, there would be freedom.
A Christian is often characterized as someone who finds no comfort in the physical realm. Regrettably, what does not provide physical comfort tends not to appeal to humanity. This is reflected in Jesus’ words, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it” (Matthew 7:13 NKJV). Familiarity with physical discomfort is a requisite for true Christianity. The inclination to accept incorrect doctrines within Christianity arises from the pursuit of comfort.
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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