A nation’s greatest asset is not its mineral riches, currency, or material wealth—but its people. True prosperity is measured by how citizens uphold their dignity, contribute to collective welfare, and recognise the intrinsic worth of every individual. When a society prioritises money over humanity, it loses sight of life’s deeper purpose.
Individuals often perceived as failures in society are frequently victims of neglect by those with the capacity to assist. Misleading narratives emphasise personal achievements while disregarding the struggles many endure, fostering a sense of isolation that weakens the collective priorities of Zimbabwe as a nation. As a result, numerous individuals succumb to despair, leading to a rise in suicides, as though they are undeserving of dignity. This notion is fundamentally false; every human being holds inherent value, equal in worth to that of the divine. Ignorance and the dissemination of distorted information have played a significant role in perpetuating these tragic outcomes.
The Misplaced Pursuit of Material Wealth
Many lament the mismanagement of natural resources under corrupt regimes, where greed incites violence and devalues human life. This raises a critical question: What is a nation’s most valuable resource? The answer lies not in what lies beneath the soil, but in the moral and spiritual fabric of its people. This leads to effective utilisation of the mineral resources.
Consider the tragedy of prostitution: when financial desperation overrides self-respect, dignity is sacrificed. Such acts degrade humanity, not because they harm others directly, but because they reduce a person’s worth to a transaction. Prostitution epitomises a broken exchange—one that dehumanises rather than enriches. Even when masked by luxury, it strips individuals of their divine imprint, for humans are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).
Jesus’ sacrifice exemplifies the opposite principle: He surrendered His body for humanity’s redemption, affirming that people matter more than possessions. Yet today, many worship wealth as if it were what Jesus died for. Scripture warns, “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). When material gain eclipses faith, corruption follows—infiltrating governments, institutions, and even places of worship.
The Illusion of Value in a Material World
Society often equates worth with external markers—expensive clothes, cars, or homes. But true value is measured by one’s impact on others. James rebuked favouritism based on appearances (James 2:1-4), yet this fallacy persists, driving some to crime or conformity in a futile quest for respect. Each person was created with some value that the person might not be aware of. The purpose of Jesus is to help the person discover his true worth.
Many people yearn for respect but lack an understanding of what truly enhances their value. They may be admired for their material possessions, yet if these are not shared, their true worth remains ambiguous. The respect received from those with similar mindsets is transient, as everything in this world is temporary. Allocating resources to improve one’s appearance rather than using them to benefit others fosters a false sense of value. This describes some of the people who die without ever discovering their worth.
The paradox? The more we chase validation through possessions or status, the emptier we become. Admiration rooted in materialism is fleeting; only contributions that uplift others, based on a person’s intrinsic talent, endure. Some pursue prestigious careers or mimic colonisers’ cultures, hoping to borrow worth. Imitation results in fake lives, rendering such individuals as worthless as the most despicable people in society. Authentic dignity comes from embracing one’s purpose, not performing for applause.
Restoring Dignity, Rebuilding Nations
Zimbabwe’s struggles are partly rooted in a crisis of identity, where colonial legacies and systemic neglect have left many feeling worthless. But no one is inherently insignificant. Despair and suicide thrive where distorted narratives overshadow truth: Every life has divine value. An individual’s value resides in their contributions, and imitating others undermines one’s inherent worth. Even within the same profession, each person produces distinctive work. Certain individuals possess a unique talent for inspiring and fostering the abilities of others, further distinguishing them in this respect.
The path to renewal begins when we:
1. Prioritise self-worth, not as vanity, but as the foundation for serving others. The foremost principle is to prioritise self-worth before extending value to others. An individual who esteems others without recognising their own intrinsic worth operates under a guise of pretence. A truly dignified person begins by affirming their own value, thereby enabling a more meaningful contribution to others. Furthermore, professional development serves as a means to enhance one’s worth, fostering genuine respect. Such respect stands in contrast to the superficial admiration often tied to material possessions.
2. Reject materialism—measuring success by generosity, not accumulation. Society frequently assesses an individual’s worth through their attire, the vehicle they own, and their place of residence. However, true value resides in the positive contributions one makes to the lives of others. Rather than placing emphasis solely on material possessions, a person’s worth should be gauged by the impact they have on those around them. While wealth may confer certain benefits, it should not serve as the sole measure of an individual’s value.
3. Empower the marginalised—recognising that societal failures often stem from abandoned potential. The genuine way to earn respect from others begins with understanding oneself. Some spend excessive time pursuing degrees and graduating in fields that do not resonate with their true calling, simply because they believe those professions earn respect. In doing so, they become imitators. However, imitators cannot be original or genuine. These individuals hold as much value as counterfeit goods. There is no dignity in valuing money, others, or any material possessions more than one’s self-worth. Ultimately, such people may experience misery, regardless of their achievements.
A nation’s strength lies in its people’s dignity. When we honour that truth, we cultivate not just wealth, but legacy. Individuals often perceived as failures in society are frequently victims of neglect by those with the capacity to assist. Misleading narratives emphasise personal achievements while disregarding the struggles many endure, fostering a sense of isolation that weakens the collective priorities of Zimbabwe as a nation. As a result, numerous individuals succumb to despair, leading to a rise in suicides, as though they are undeserving of dignity. This notion is fundamentally false; every human being holds inherent value, equal in worth to that of the divine. Ignorance and the dissemination of distorted information have played a significant role in perpetuating these tragic outcomes.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilisation, 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 who have 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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