The most powerful individual entity came to be identified as the weakest of all living beings. Of every human described as weak, Jesus stands at the top. His perceived weakness included submitting to replace the most notorious criminal of all time, Barabbas. He endured the most gruelling experience, crucifixion, and was labelled the weakest of all humans who ever lived. He became a mockery beyond all previous mockeries. Paradoxically, the name Jesus resonates across the entire planet, even among those regarded as atheists, regardless of His policy of non-retaliation.
The physical world is characterized by reactive agents that disguise themselves as revealing cognitive impetus. In modern times, these reactive forces have evolved into highly destructive nuclear technology, falsely presented as highly progressive. Pride is the most cherished of all human qualities, while humility is the most despised. The so-called progressive forces aim to uphold pride rather than the principles of humility. Ironically, those who adorn themselves with prideful ambitions arrogantly assert being guided by Christian principles. This exemplifies the timeless irony. Jesus presented Himself as the light, yet His teachings continue to be notably rejected.
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For everyone practising evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God” (John 3:18-21 NKJV).
The name of Jesus is often used to uphold the condition of pride, while selectively manipulating Scriptures to advance prideful doctrines. Jesus is often assumed to be absent, yet the Scriptures reveal His presence as ever before. The only condition that causes this apparent misnomer is humility, which cannot be enforced but must be applied as a matter of principle. Applying the details of Jesus’ teachings implies facing the crucifixion without flinching. However, charlatans will convince the gullible that the opposite is true.
Murderers are often celebrated as heroes, while their victims are branded as villains. Nonetheless, a common veracity is that these murderers, proudly wearing the medals of their heinous acts, are the true cowards. Their martyred victims, under the Christian banner, ironically, are entitled to heroism. These victims embody the essence of heroism, provided they adhere to the principle of standing up for what is good. The badge of humility is their crowning accolade, placing them on the level of Jesus.
Their esteemed power lies not in pride but in humility. This is inconceivable to those accustomed to dominating the weak. Pride mirrors the behaviour of animals. It is reactive behaviour rather than reasoning that spurs such people. Pride is ingrained in the philosophy that a domineering entity is rewarded with being worshipped. However, the one truly deserving of worship allowed Himself to be humiliated on the cross. He established this principle as a standard for His followers to adopt.
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:5-11 NKJV).
Believing in Jesus cannot be mistaken for anything else, except allowing Christ’s mind to also be in the mind of one professing to be a believer. This is perfectly ideal, as recommended by the apostle Paul. The standard of Christianity is to let the mind of Christ be in one, as it was in Christ Jesus. This principle suggests losing everything of this world, yet being poised to acquire everything of this world. The standard was set by the chief architect, Jesus Christ. Believing in Jesus demands the willingness to forsake everything in this world, including one’s physical life.
The reasons for loving this world are entangled in pride, sex, and food, which sustain attachment and make it appear vital. Ordinary Christians are often told that Jesus is not of this world, rather than understanding that they themselves are not of this world. However, those who believe in Jesus should recognize that they should not be seen as different from Jesus. This requires adopting Christ’s humility, characterized by the courage to stand for the truth and the willingness to lay down one’s life for a good cause.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith” (Romans 12:1-3 NKJV).
Studying the Bible is held in high esteem, yet Jesus emphasized that embracing His philosophy of servitude was of greater importance. His teachings and actions were considered persuasive, except for the aspect of humility.“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.” (John 5:39-40 NKJV). He associated with the most despised individuals in society, yet none among those esoteric clerics could find sin in Him.
Driven by love, Jesus sought to understand people rather than worry about being understood by them. He desires that people understand Him to access life, but He does not demand to be understood. This exemplifies a principle of love, sustained by humility. He did not confine His love to those who believed in Him as followers; Jesus loved even those who crucified Him. The durability of this value is evident as, nearly two thousand years later, Jesus is still revered as Lord. The fundamental principle is that to achieve greatness, one must have faith in Jesus.
The significance of faith in Jesus implies exemplifying Him in terms of interests, conduct, and behaviour. As the light bearer, Jesus should be followed in every detail, including the willingness to die for what one considers virtuous. Wherever His followers are, Jesus ought to be fully represented. The inhabitants of such places should feel the presence of Jesus rather than merely be sustained in the belief that Jesus is coming soon.
“For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:`3-21 NKJV).
The concept of the new creation signifies a departure from the familiar. It suggests that what once instilled pride now brings disgrace, and what once caused disgrace now brings pride. Jesus imparted this message at the outset of His ministry, during the Sermon on the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 5:10-12). It may not have made sense then, just as it may not make sense to those still unaware of the significance of Jesus. Christian safety today is found in disgrace rather than in glory. To become God’s child, one must accept the disgrace that comes with it, as manifested in Jesus. This is the condition of being born again, as explained to Nicodemus, a senior member of the Pharisees.
In simple terms, the new creation implies accepting demotion with all its implications. Celebrating someone for becoming a Christian suggests a possible misrepresentation of the significance of Christianity. Just as it is known that those of this world do not celebrate a person having physically died, a person who has converted to Christianity has terminated relationships with those of this world. Although observed as alive, that person has broken their biological relationship with them. They cannot be counted on to participate in the traditional activities of their lineage.
In essence, becoming a new creation entails accepting a form of demotion and all that it entails. Celebrating someone’s conversion to Christianity can potentially misrepresent the true significance of the faith. Just as people in this world do not celebrate physical death, a person who has converted to Christianity has severed ties with worldly relationships. Although they may appear alive, they have broken their biological connections with the world and cannot be expected to participate in traditional familial activities.“So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:8-17 NKJV).
To be in the flesh implies that one may either feel elevated or esteemed by those of this world. Conversely, when not in the flesh, one is diminished or disregarded by the same people. Those of this world feel comfortable being among their own. However, having become a new creation, one relies solely on His Heavenly Father, although coincidentally, one may associate with the like-minded. This refers to those sealed by the Holy Spirit according to the prescribed conditions. Such a person would not be different from Jesus and the rest of God’s children.
The greatest strength of a Christian lies in humility rather than pride. This sharply contrasts with the image projected by charlatans, whose mission is to deceive as many of God’s people as possible. True Christians are sustained by the resilience of Jesus more than by their own efforts. Relying solely on Him sustains a Christian in maintaining devotion to prayer and Bible study. A proud person cannot pray, as they feel adequately self-sufficient. Bible study is often an unaffordable luxury for those living in the flesh. The most perilous thing is to embrace Christianity while still yearning to indulge in the transient pleasures and egos of this world.
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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