A resilient individual can endure a variety of experiences without falling into despair. Happiness and the absence of pain are often linked, but they do not necessarily depend on one another. One can preserve happiness amidst adversity, depending on one’s mindset. Happiness is a mental state free from bitterness. Thus, happy individuals can flourish in both difficult and peaceful environments. Happiness is often linked to liveliness, while sadness is typically viewed as a sign of impending mortality. The deeper a person sinks into despair, the more they may sense an approach toward physical deterioration.
The biblical story of Joseph profoundly affirms this truth. He was a man whose brothers first sought to kill him and then opted to profit by selling him into slavery in Egypt. Joseph might have felt justified in bemoaning his brothers’ actions. Yet, the narrative reveals his reluctance to hold onto resentment towards them. His absence of bitterness allowed him to retain his comeliness, which led to Potiphar’s wife becoming sexually attracted to him.
Joseph’s tale is that of a character who seemed to have had no place in this world. Even his own brothers had rejected him. He, however, chose to excel in his imposed role as a slave, instead of lamenting his cruel fate. Ironically, it was his virtuous nature that led to his imprisonment. Could his situation be any more unjust, considering his brothers had conspired to kill him before selling him into slavery? Amidst all this, one would have wondered where God was, the very entity in whom he had placed his faith. There are many similar situations, even in our modern times.
In our country, the justice system is drastically failing. Individuals are often imprisoned unjustly for political reasons. Astonishingly, regime supporters applaud such overt abuses of power. This situation can cause distress among the populace, signalling a rapid decline into malevolence. To challenge such a corrupt system, there are two paths: one can either engage in armed conflict or seek and earnestly pursue peace. The first approach exacerbates the issue, whereas the second offers a meaningful solution, according to Jesus’ teachings.
This second viewpoint may not resonate with a restless society, yet it holds answers affirming Jesus as the solution to humanity’s problems. Jesus’ teachings, often met with disdain, diverge from worldly values. While Jesus is beloved by many, few concur with His rejection of entertaining vengeance. Under such conditions, how is happiness achievable? Nonetheless, Jesus’ teachings stand as fundamental truths, not mere theories. The investigation into the practicality of these teachings should not only be regarded as extremely adventurous, but also desirable.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:43-48 NKJV).
Only a person who has become capable of experiencing anything can accept the aforementioned interpretation as feasible. None has drawn more scorn and ridicule than this particular assertion, among Jesus’ teachings. It strikes at the heart of Jesus’ significance in many people’s lives. To understand this, we must first reflect on Jesus’ crucifixion. Could He have felt happiness when faced with the utmost sinners? Despite His humanity and the temptation to harbour resentment, He ultimately surrendered to God’s will, thereby, achieving triumph.
The exultant joy of His triumph is beyond comparison to any tribulation ever faced in this world. Had He yielded to human frailties, the outcome would have been starkly different. Humanity could be on the brink of extinction. Jesus, in His humanity, set an example for us in decision-making. His teachings, without the proof of their practicality, would have been fruitless. For the faithful, there is no substitute for the teachings of Jesus, as embodied by the apostles.
The disciples were unjustly subjected to forty lashes for exercising their freedom of speech about Jesus. They were spared from a death sentence following the intervention of Gamaliel, a distinguished Jewish scholar, who argued that their execution might be opposing God. Instead of setting them free, the Sanhedrin decided to flog them before their release. This punishment aimed to deter them from promoting the name of Jesus further.
And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name (emphasis mine). And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ (Acts 5:40-42 NKJV).
The aspect of rejoicing is central to the apostles’ experience. Instead of taking offence at unjust treatment, they found joy. To ordinary humans, this may seem abnormal, but for the apostles, it was a cause for celebration. Having been taught by Jesus himself, they understood the Christian principles well. Jesus emphasized that they should rejoice amidst mistreatment, as it aligned them with his own experiences. Enduring such treatment signified their qualification to stand with Jesus, embodying a core tenet of Christianity.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:10-12 NKJV).
For nominal Christians, the aforementioned teaching may seem nonsensical under normal circumstances. Anything that deviates from worldly norms is deemed abnormal. However, embracing Christianity without acknowledging the potential for being viewed as abnormal may verge on insincerity. In the cited scripture, Jesus commands His followers to rejoice and be exceedingly glad when mistreated. The question then arises: how does this apply to secular approaches to issues of this nature?
This world adheres to principles that lead to demise, while Jesus promotes principles that lead to life and joy. When evaluating issues before deciding on their feasibility, involves either belief or disbelief in Jesus. Belief in Jesus means there can be no alternative to His words, especially when contrasted with the state of a world under a curse. This is why Jesus declared that following Him necessitates forsaking all else, including self-denial.
The divide between Christianity and secularism cannot be bridged without faith in Jesus. The benefits of ignoring Jesus’ teachings include fitting in and gaining acceptance from worldly individuals. Contrasting this often comes with the cost of ridicule and rejection by the same people. On the other hand, embracing Jesus’ teachings offers the reward of entry into the everlasting Kingdom of God. This stands in opposition to a fleeting existence that offers no eternal provision, despite offering brief peace that is short-lived.
Life’s daily choices should be evaluated based on two key considerations. This arises from the concern that some individuals make decisions carelessly, without thorough deliberation. The greater their embrace of secularism, the faster the world’s problems seem to escalate. Conversely, adherence to Christ’s teachings appears to mitigate these issues. Contributing to righteousness promotes goodness, while contributing to wrongdoing fosters further wrongs.
In Zimbabwe, the present conditions reflect decisions taken since the celebration of independence in 1980. While some may attribute these solely to the ruling authorities, they also encompass the perspectives of the individuals assessing them. The enduring situation offers valuable lessons for those dedicated to preserving their sanity. The current state of affairs results from either the irresponsibility or the responsibility of the citizens, including the individual making this observation. Every effect has a cause, and anyone can be an agent of change or lack of change in their environment.
Lasting peace may be achieved through embracing the teachings of Jesus, which advocate for responding to mistreatment with kindness. These principles need to be championed by committed individuals who are not deterred by the prospect of physical suffering. Happiness and pain should not be viewed as inherently connected to attitudinal discomfort. Truly content individuals are those who can dissociate their overall happiness from painful incidents. They respond to hostility with compassion, understanding that those who promote antagonism are often lacking in understanding.
It might appear incomprehensible that individuals, having endured a loss of dignity, would find joy in others’ misfortunes. This behaviour represents a severe facet of human nature. Some hold the conviction that their happiness is derived from inflicting deep anguish upon others. They may have faced such extreme adversity that they’ve grown indifferent to human suffering, or they might even revel in the agony they cause their victims. Such conduct could be likened to that of animals, oblivious to the suffering they cause.
Those who harm others possess a distorted view of happiness. They are burdened with guilt that haunts them, all the days of their lives. Although inflicted with pain, their victims find comfort as long as they hold onto hope, grounded in the teachings of Jesus. Their joy stems from their capacity to forgive, echoing Jesus’ lessons. Their state resembles that of the apostles who discovered joy in suffering without harbouring bitterness. Their love fortifies them, even when confronted with death. What defines humanity goes beyond our physical existence.
Reflecting on Paul’s ministry, it seems unfathomable that he could have maintained his health amidst such adversity. Yet, his letters reveal he passed away content, having achieved his life’s purpose. A devout Christian finds greater joy in adversity than in comfort, staying mindful that life is as fleeting as the mist that blankets the surroundings, vanishing as though it never was. Such awareness fueled Paul’s encouraging words amid his tumultuous experiences.
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:31-39 NKJV).
The joy found in the tumultuous journey of Christianity surpasses that of those who seek thrills in perilous wars for amusement. Early explorers, akin to individuals of steel, braved uncharted territories worldwide. They passed away, leaving legacies of discovering lands once unknown. Their accomplishments, however, are confined to the tangible realm. In contrast, dedication to Christianity promises eternal assurance. Jesus compared this to amassing treasures in Heaven, where neither rust nor moth can cause decay.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:19-24 NKJV).
The teachings of Jesus can be held with the same assurance as the expectation of sunrise tomorrow. Christianity is not intended for comparison with worldly pursuits; such comparisons serve only those who view Christianity as impractical and limited to physical existence. A Christian is comparable to someone committed to sacrificing their physical life for the greater good of others. These individuals experience greater joy in confronting unexpected challenges than in residing in peaceful environments.
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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