Righteousness is not defined by avoiding responsibility. Often, it is those who consider themselves guardians of the law who create discord. It is acknowledged that during Jesus’ time on Earth, His principal adversaries were perceived as virtuous individuals. To highlight this truth, Jesus shared a parable that those upholding the law would have preferred to remain untold. Meanwhile, some opt to feign ignorance of such teachings in the Scriptures.
“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:10-14 NKJV).
While self-exaltation is often cited as the reason for Jesus’ disapproval, the issue goes beyond just that. The lawkeeper’s problem stemmed from introversion, not necessarily from being a violator of God’s law. The law-keeper may indeed have been faithful to the law, yet unaware of the responsibilities that accompany righteousness. Among law-breakers, a righteous person has the opportunity to foster righteousness within their surroundings.
The presence of lawbreakers suggests failures due to introversion, characterized by focusing inward rather than impacting the external environment. It is akin to a light shining inward, rather than illuminating the surroundings. Traditionally, law enforcers have been tasked with eradicating wickedness. Righteousness involves assuming responsibility for the evil, present in the environment. As righteous as Jesus was, He did not shirk the responsibility for the sinfulness around Him. Consequently, there was no alternative for Him but the cross.
His critical view of the self-righteous people over the actual lawbreakers stemmed from this principle. This viewpoint is not unique, as it is grounded in common sense rather than being exclusive to Jesus. A knowledgeable person is held accountable for the sinfulness in the environment, as the presence of sin indicates their failure to be effective. Evil persists because law enforcers are not assuming responsibility for being proactive in the environment. This brings us to one of the most misunderstood Scriptures, highlighted in Jesus’ teachings.
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First, remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:1-5 NKJV).
Judging is often compared to observing a speck in another’s eye while ignoring the plank in one’s own. It seems paradoxical that a blatant sinner is represented by a mere speck, as his sin, whereas the one disapproving the sin is burdened with a plank. Jesus was projecting the truth, rather than some theory. Common sense suggests that a plank is significantly larger than a speck. This raises the question of how such a judgment is justified, especially when the judge is cognizant of the sin in question. Let’s now explore the enigma that envelops this particular Scripture. The person judging is considered more unsafe, rather than the actual lawkeeper.
By removing the plank from one’s own eye, one can see clearly enough to discern the mere speck in another’s eye. It is impractical for someone with a plank in their own eye to effectively notice a speck in another’s. Jesus employed this metaphor to illustrate a situation that demands spiritual discernment. The improper behaviour of the judged individual is often a reflection of the judge’s own neglect to accept responsibility. In the manner of Jesus, the one judging, shoulders the burden of the other’s shortcomings.
If individuals did not claim to be superior to others, spreading the teachings of Jesus would not be challenging. However, as long as some people falsely claim to have superior knowledge, the situation persists. The state of incomplete knowledge provides a false sense of certainty, which leads to further complexities. This is exemplified in the Book of Revelation, which specifically indicates that God disapproves of the amalgamation of two extremes.
“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Revelation 3:14-21 NKJV).
The metaphorical cold individuals mentioned are not judged negatively, just as the hot ones aren’t. It’s the lukewarm individuals who are deemed unacceptable. The issue with the cold individuals is manageable, provided they acknowledge their state. Pretenders pose the greatest challenge because they claim knowledge they lack. The metaphorically hot ones, being the extremely fervent ones, who are genuine, are placed on the same level as Jesus Christ.
The difficulty in dealing with the metaphorically cold individuals arises from the presence of the lukewarm ones. Without the lukewarm, the cold ones would be easier to manage, as the hot ones wouldn’t have to deal with pretenders. Even the cold might see the lukewarm in a negative light. As long as the lukewarm people persist, progress is impeded. It makes sense for God to spurn the lukewarm, as they serve only to obstruct divine efforts.
The greatest barrier to progress is convincing those perceived as virtuous that their actions may be obstructive. The complacency of being deemed ‘good’ within their milieu often blinds them to the potential for improvement. A tainted political system elevates them to a status akin to sainthood, casting the masses into profound bewilderment. Holiness is gauged by their distorted benchmarks. There cannot be any other cause for such bad conditions in this world.
The most challenging philosophy to advocate is the one that holds Jesus as the sole authority by which to gauge one’s behaviour. While many prefer the Christian label, they are reluctant to embrace the standards established by Jesus, the founder of Christianity. Pastoral leaders are often elevated to the status of Jesus, instead of being assessed according to Jesus’ teachings. Yet, those who dare to critique such leaders risk being branded as rebels or heretics.
The overwhelming challenge posed by Christian treachery stems from the blend of good and evil within Christian denominations. While established Christian organizations offer beneficial and uplifting sermons, they are also not devoid of actions that degrade Jesus’ teachings. They tend to preach what their followers want to hear. Condemning these organizational leaders without taking into account the behaviour of their followers renders the mission unachievable. The sole method to lead people to God is to uphold the words of Jesus as the standard.
To avoid the label of judgment, one must elevate Jesus to the role of judge. For example, by citing Jesus’ teachings on judgment, one is not judging; rather, it is Jesus who judges. It is through Jesus’ words that one should reprimand those deserving of reprimand. The goal is to ensure that condemning sinners is akin to condemning Jesus, which is avoidable when adopting the principles of discipleship. Cowardice has no place in Christianity.
Honouring Jesus should encompass not only His character but also His teachings. While individuals may possess flaws, the words of Jesus are flawless. A mature Christian recognizes their own imperfections. Such an individual does not take offence when others point out these flaws, using Jesus as the benchmark. Paul highlighted that Christian strengths may emerge from weaknesses. This means that conscientious Christians are always mindful of their shortcomings. Any strength for which a Christian is praised may also be indicative of potential pitfalls.
“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds” (2 Corinthians 12:7-12 NKJV).
This Scripture is frequently neglected by influential Christian leaders who prefer passages that bolster their status among peers. In contrast, those who consider themselves average within the Church often prefer honouring these same leaders. Many self-identified Christians depend greatly on pastoral leaders, seeking comfort in their direction and role in the faith, rather than Christ. The absence of a pastor could lead to the disintegration of many Christian organizations.
The root of such issues may lie in the undervaluation of baptism’s significance in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Nominal Christians might prefer to yield to the baptizer rather than to God’s authority. For them, adherence to God equates to following the baptizing pastor. They find solace in the pastor’s protection, despite being baptized in the triune name. It is highly plausible that the myriad problems within Christianity originate from a misunderstanding of baptism’s importance or the essence of repentance.
A person who is baptized often does not realize that they also bear the responsibility of caring for the individual who baptizes them. Baptism in the Triune name enables one to discern matters under God’s authority. Material concerns diminish in importance, as Christ is elevated to a place of supreme importance, per His teachings in the Gospels. The baptizing person would also deserve to be viewed as physical, even though used to baptize others. The significance of baptism suggests that the individual has made themselves available for God’s purpose.
The decision of where an individual is best suited to serve is not theirs to make; rather, they are assigned a role according to God’s will. A baptized individual is answerable not to any earthly figure, including pastors, but to God alone. Such individuals can be appointed to a role perceived as more elevated than that of their baptizer. Ananias, who was instrumental in restoring Paul’s sight, might not have foreseen God’s plan for Paul. With this perspective, there is no room for confusion. A baptized person has dedicated themselves to a domain where earthly authority is irrelevant. This does not suggest that the person would be better than the baptizing person.
A baptized individual may value guidance from the pastor, provided it aligns with Jesus’ teachings. Moreover, this person would readily seek clarification when Jesus’ words seem unclear. Assuming comprehension of the incomprehensible is deemed ungodly. However, the paramount aspect is that the individual has been baptized in the Triune name, which supersedes all physical matters. Indeed, authentic Christianity addresses every human issue in this world, without exception. This suggests that those entrusted with Christian duties are performing their tasks accordingly. Lacking this knowledge, one may unwittingly become a tool of malevolence.
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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