There are no conditions for accessing happiness, except being grounded in the truth. Money, food, and sex may bring temporary happiness to a person. However, the true state of unlimited happiness is achieved through a truthful understanding of life. It is impossible for an individual living with the uncertainties of his or her existence to attain lasting happiness. When the disciples were flogged after being accused of spreading the name of Jesus, they rejoiced. Their joy was centred on the fact that they had been deemed worthy to suffer in the name of Jesus (Acts 5:41).
Jesus also instructed the disciples that they would find true happiness only when facing persecution and false accusations. The happiness Jesus urged them to pursue is eternal, rather than fleeting. This form of happiness resembles the profound contentment one experiences after accessing the living waters (John 4:10). A person may seem happy in the eyes of others but remains spiritually impoverished when not anchored in truth. This is especially applicable to those who have encountered some truth yet are unwilling to fully commit to living by Jesus’ teachings.
Impoverished individuals often harbour a desire to obtain cash to address their immediate challenges. While a wealthy person may provide the necessary funds, this does not guarantee the recipient’s happiness. A free gift compels the recipient to express admiration for the giver. The recipient may not necessarily concur with the ethical principles upheld by the giver, yet they feel obligated to show appreciation. Should the recipient fail to adequately express gratitude, they may experience a decline in happiness. This aligns with the adage: “He who pays the piper calls the tune.”
This phrase was adopted on the premise that decisions are made by those who possess financial control. This may imply that individuals aim to amass wealth to exert control over various issues. A person with money controls various aspects of life. Even within established Christian churches, those who provide funding have a significant influence on the prevailing policies of that Church organization. An individual who depends on external funding cannot act freely without constraints. This expression is believed to have first been documented in the 17th century, potentially referencing the English version of the legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, published in English in 1605.
There has been an intriguing phenomenon in Zimbabwe where Wicknell Chivayo has gained popularity by distributing gifts to celebrities. The question of whether those recipients are genuinely happy remains unknown. However, some are likely joyful, as long as they disregard ethical considerations. Most of these recipients may be experiencing distress related to their conscience. The moral integrity of a person is founded on ethical conduct. I suppose it is only unethical people who have a right to be happy and commonly appear happy, under such conditions.
For unethical people, life revolves around the pursuit of food and enjoyment to the fullest extent before death. This stands in contrast to those who exist with the constant apprehension that unforeseen circumstances may threaten their happiness. The lack of information regarding the origin of Wicknell Chivayo’s funds instils unease among the recipients. Although they may feign happiness, upon receiving the gift, in reality, they live a life devoid of genuine fulfilment.
Wicknell Chivayo’s case is picked on, only as an example. Otherwise, there are many people having accessed some funding out of corruption. Such recipients are susceptible to spiritual torment for having received unethical gains. This is different from those who would have good reason for having accumulated such monies, thereby, expressing willingness to be transparent. Those would be the people who might be truly happy, in this life. Their only challenge might be that of being surrounded by unhappy people.
Corruption negatively affects people from all walks of life. Even young individuals, who may seem untainted by corruption, can be vulnerable to the effects of a corrupt environment. As long as their understanding of the fundamentals of humanity is not fully developed, happiness remains elusive for them. They operate under the misguided belief that money can purchase happiness, only to realize the impossibility of this notion once they acquire wealth. My life has evolved amidst numerous inexplicable challenges, serving as a journey toward attaining true happiness.
The first ten years of my youth were marked by my exposure to what constituted wealth according to my late father. During that time, I became acutely aware that I was born into privilege, lacking nothing materially, compared to other boys my age. However, happiness seemed strangely elusive. The fact that most of my friends in the community were poor, combined with my conspicuous affluent appearance, made me uncomfortable. I recall deceiving my father by claiming that my school shoes did not fit properly. My true issue was the peculiar circumstance of being the only one with shoes, which the rest of my friends did not possess.
Additionally, my father had purchased a small bicycle for me to ride to school. This experience also brought me unhappiness, as my father insisted on supervising how I used it. He did not permit me to share that bicycle with my friends. Consequently, I developed a sense of resentment toward the bicycle, due to what I perceived as unwarranted control. Everything changed when our family relocated to another district, plunging us into deep poverty that forced me to leave school. This ultimately resulted in my dropping out of school at the age of twelve.
The crux of the matter is that I was unhappy as a child, despite lacking nothing materially. However, that unhappiness persisted even during my exposure to abject poverty. The main issue with this latter condition was that I could not attend school, which was viewed as the sole necessity that would ensure my better future. This situation became further complicated by the subsequent liberation war that afflicted my country. As young individuals, we were convinced that the liberation struggle would ultimately bring happiness to the majority.
The narrative of my adult life is one characterized by the arduous experiences of poverty. Nevertheless, I found success each time I worked as an employee in those organizations for which I was employed. Before the country descended into unimaginable disgrace, I attained financial stability that enabled me to support my family. However, I was plagued by illnesses that deprived me of happiness. For an extended period, I suffered from peptic ulcers and underwent surgery; yet, I continued to experience relapses of the same condition. I could not understand why I remained ensnared in such illness, even after my baptism into Christianity.
My two brothers endured chronic illnesses, with one eventually succumbing to cancer. I recall moments of despair, wishing for death, as my life appeared devoid of meaning and burdened by suffering. It was only after marrying and being blessed with three children that I began to envision a more promising future. Nonetheless, I later concluded that my marriage did not fulfil my expectations. All my aspirations in life seemed unattainable. Meanwhile, our nation deteriorated to unprecedented levels of corruption and indecency. I saw no reason to continue living under those circumstances until a turning point finally emerged.
God opened my eyes, enabling me to discover my true identity, which became a significant turning point in my life. Following this realization, I began to comprehend Biblical issues that had previously been unclear. However, this newfound understanding often led to misunderstandings among those with whom I fellowshipped. Despite this, nothing could diminish the joy that radiated from within me. I discovered that I was God’s child accountable only to God. Lacking a platform to share my experiences with others, I turned to writing.
My financial situation continued to pose a significant obstacle, yet it never hindered my endeavours. I have chosen not to abandon writing, allowing God to handle any barrier I may encounter along the way. From a human perspective, writing has been a daunting task. The frequent power outages, along with limited internet access and the lack of a partner for proofreading and other essential tasks, have been overwhelming. Discouragement has come from all directions; however, what I discovered within myself could not allow me to give up. The past ten years have taught me that God’s work does not necessitate physical help.
Upon reflecting on my previous life, I find it remarkable that I never experienced happiness as profoundly as in recent years. Even the ulcers that once troubled me just vanished. This realization has illuminated the possibility of achieving happiness, even in the face of adversity. I share my experiences in the hope that others may also discover their identities and attain lasting happiness. My advanced age encourages me to believe that my time may be limited. However, contemplating death has transformed into a state I anticipate, trusting that my writings will leave a meaningful impact on future generations.
My enduring joy stems from my commitment to stand firm in my beliefs, undeterred by external influences. Although circumstances in my country remain precarious, this has not diminished my happiness. I maintain the hope that despite potential adversity, positive outcomes are also possible, affirming the saying, “Confusion comes before order.” Even if nothing good arises, the unwavering assurance lies in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Human life, being a precious gift from God, offers no grounds for despair, provided one continues to believe in Him.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 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 3:16-21 NKJV).
It is impossible for one unable to defend one’s beliefs to attain happiness. This assertion may be regarded as a timeless truth, which cannot be borrowed from others. It arises from within oneself. Jesus stated that a person who discovers it would be willing to sell everything to obtain it. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matthew 13:44 NKJV). Most of the things related to this world held so dearly, carry no lasting value. There can be no value that surpasses the realization of being God’s child.
When one observes ordinary people in their diverse conditions, one notices that each stands on beliefs borrowed from others. However, those from whom these beliefs are borrowed may also not be certain of such beliefs’ authenticity. The specific denomination one adheres to is of little consequence; true happiness cannot exist unless it is upheld by one’s inner convictions. The apostles died defending what they believed to be true. Ordinary humans concluded that they lost everything. However, the disciples died content, having discarded falsehood and retained truthfulness. This underscores the significance of Christianity.
The happiest individuals are those confidently willing to die for their beliefs, having found assurance in Jesus, whose resurrection is indisputable. Those privileged to recognize the truth bear the responsibility not to remain passive. Sharing one’s discoveries of truth cannot be deemed difficult in the age of social media. The most profound realization is that truth cannot be intimidated by anything. Individuals from diverse backgrounds are aware of the truth but often lack the confidence to withstand external opposition.
“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:17-19 NKJV).
The enduring satisfaction renders it impossible to extinguish the happiness that emanates from an individual who has discovered the truth affirmed by Jesus. This stands in stark contrast to those who cling to faith derived from favoured preachers. Jesus is the singular figure who, despite many individuals professing faith, does not imply the necessity of one’s own independent exploration of truth without Him. The challenges that one may encounter should be transformed into opportunities, serving as a testament to the genuine assurance that Jesus offers. Conversely, the opposite is true for those who seek to be likeable in 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.
The Print copy is now available at Amazon.com for $13.99
Also available as an e-copy at Lulu.com for $6.99