Leadership is a spiritual matter

Many people assume that any country’s problems are determined by those in leadership. What was caricatured on Robert Mugabe, has since been transferred to ED Mnangagwa. The two happen to represent a deep-seated system that cuts across the decadence of the entire society. It is not enough, even to assume that the military is at fault. Those attacking President Mnangagwa for his current scorch-earthed polices, ought to be fully aware of what lies beneath the crust.

As captured on his interview with Trevor, Hopewell admitted to having been among those sold to the idea of giving Mnangagwa a chance, after 2017 coup. Hopewell had been of the view that Mugabe was the cause of the country’s problems. But Chin’ono has had to be incarcerated by the same man, in whom he had placed some faith.

Hopewell Chin’ono is not alone, gripped in such misplaced viewpoints, concerning the troubles of our country. Others blame ZANU PF as an organization, having been systematically structured on occult terms. But all mysticisms are embroiled in the spirit of falsehood rather than in truth. The earlier this is understood the better.

Just a few years ago, who could have predicted that Douglas Mwonzora would behave in the way he now behaves? Has he been bewitched? The behavior of President Mnangagwa is replete, even among the considered decent church groupings. This, apparently, uncultured behavior, is also characterized in domestic violence among family units, as reported in the media. This portrays what was aptly put by the apostle Paul:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:10-17) (NIV).

Apparently, Paul refers to authorities, powers of this dark world and spiritual forces, as belonging to what is evil in the heavenly realms. Before attacking personalities, as characteristic of Mnangagwa’s leadership position, it is important to understand the reality of what was unveiled by Paul. Many people are currently reeling under despair—especially as appears to be no hope of foreign interventions, in our country’s turmoil.

What is on public record is that Mugabe had supporters, filling the stadia during his time. Therefore, it cannot be fair to put all the blame on him. The current president may not have as much support, but, certainly, he has a sizable support. Let alone those willing to carryout sadistic activities on his behalf. How could such people be willing to do such things without the demonic spirit dwelling in their inner beings?

We have to appreciate that leadership is a spiritual matter. Of course, there is no human leadership existing without the spiritual force behind it.  Also, there is no human leadership that can exist without God allowing it. And yet it would be blasphemous to blame God for the evil that exists. Only the truth was designed to set people free.

The Christian community maintains that Satan is responsible for all human problems. Although being the creator of all things, God has allowed Satan to coexist with humanity. But, unbeknown to many, is that there is nothing that Satan can do, unless allowed by those concerned. Similarly, there is nothing that God can do, unless allowed by human beings.

This is why Jesus Christ instructed His followers to use the following statement, when praying: “Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-12). God does not impose His will on humanity, although dismayed by humanity’s wrong choices. The reason why God is dismayed by such choices is, basically, the resultant suffering that humans go through.

The dominion that was granted to humanity, at the time of creation, implies sovereignty. But sovereignty does not invite abusing what ought to be preserved, according to the principle of order. This is premised on the fundamental truth that freedom is associated with the principle of order, as opposed to chaos. In the entire Christian fraternity, the following Scriptural passage concerning human creation, is highly misunderstood:

“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:26-27) (NIV).

The current educational system puts a lot of trust in Scholars, where everyone else is cowed. Therefore, the comprehension, even in the simplicity of this Scripture, remains enigmatic—notwithstanding its portrayal of open truth. There is no other Scripture in the entire Bible that shows anything else created in God’s image.  Where is the problem, then?

Jesus, Himself, told His disciples that if they had faith as little as a mustard seed, nothing would be impossible for them. One would, therefore, assume that failure is caused by not believing in Jesus. One would not be a believer, as long as doubting what Jesus said. Why would a believer place blame on Satan, instead of taking responsibility, on matters of survival?

When taking an analytical observation, it seems humanity is trapped between two forces—egotism and self-abnegation. When taking up a position, leading to the adoption of what one considers as true, one gets attacked as being egotistic. However, if neglecting one’s own intellect, as to advance other people’s opinions—as in self-abnegation—one succumbs to the condition of what has currently gripped Zimbabwe.

When desiring to be perceived as humble, Christians are trapped in the phenomenon of what now prevails in Zimbabwe. There are those proudly suggesting that Zimbabwe is a God-fearing nation—yet without anything revealing that assertion. Holding the Bible when ignorant of its content, is similar to placing a lethal weapon in the hands of an untrained soldier.

The possibility of such an untrained gun-handler to harm himself and others, abounds. Some Scriptures, actually, state that the Bible is a double-aged sword (Hebrew 4:12). Those handling it should, therefore, be aware of the responsibility that goes with the expert handling of its content. Nevertheless, Jesus, Himself, was accused of pomposity:

“Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, ‘I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?’ “’We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.’ Jesus answered them, ‘Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are “gods”’? If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside—what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’?” (John 10:31-36) (NIV).

The only difference between Jesus and most Christians is that Jesus did not succumb to His accusers, who mistook Him for pomposity. Equipped with superior knowledge, Jesus refused succumbing to self-abnegation. Standing for truth should not be misunderstood as portrayal of pomposity. Truth is what remains to be, and cannot be changed for anything else, by those concerned. This describes where most of our Christian brothers stumble.

Truth is commonly interpreted according to other personalities, rather than according to the principle held by the person concerned. Self-abnegation is as evil, just as pomposity is also evil. In Summary, self-abnegation violates the Scriptural narrative about human creation in Genesis 1:26-27. This is just as a pompous person is one who foolishly views himself as better than God. This should be taken as the basic axiom that cracks all challenges of humanity.

There is only one leader, in the entire universe and that leader is God, who created humans in His own image. Humans, as created in God’s image, were put in leadership positions, at the pleasure of God. Although different in their abilities, their common denominator is having been created in God’s image. It is a question of understanding the principle of Godliness that makes any person a leader, depending on the inherent capabilities. This was aptly put across in my previous submission. See [Democracy is good, where everyone takes responsibility].

Without understanding this principle, any other person can suppress others towards becoming a leader, or a dictator. Such a behavior would be similar to one assuming responsibility on the cockpit during a cruising airplane, without the faintest idea of controlling it. The passengers, having allowed such a lunatic with such a responsibility, should not cry foul, in the event of a disaster.

Due diligence is prerequisite and expected of responsible citizens. Humility has got nothing to do with allowing a lunatic to take responsibility over other people’s lives. In the same vain, asserting responsibility on matters known to be true, should not be mistaken for pomposity. We were all created in God’s image, although different in capabilities. True Christians maintain the prayerful attitude, appreciating that the will of God ought to be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

Other people ought to be allowed to lead, only as they project leading according to God’s will, in their conduct and commitment. Submitting to those leading according to God’s will should not be mistaken for self-abnegation. Doing so would be fulfilling God’s will as in Heaven. All humans hold some responsibility for the destiny of the entire humanity. They should not assume being inferior, thereby neglecting their individual God-given responsibilities.

There should be no challenge in withdrawing support from the bad conducts, and conferring support towards goodness. The Godly principle lies in service, rather than constantly invalidating other people. There is nothing wrong with gently correcting your friend, when in error. There is also nothing wrong when a friend comes to show you some areas that need correction.

Asserting what is good should not be compromised for fear to offend. Neither should what is bad be glossily projected out of fear to offend. All tribulations of the world, lie in between the inability to distinguish between good and evil. Those found in between the good and the evil are the ones who will be spewed from the mouth of Jesus.

“….These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see” (Revelation 3:14-18) (NIV).

The fear of authority is, itself, a symptom of self-abnegation, which is as evil as pomposity. The authoritarian viewpoint is, itself, a sign of pomposity, which is also as evil as self-abnegation. In between these two principles are found all the iniquitous people. With this in mind, one can imagine those committing sadistic atrocities against other people, in the name of obeying those in authority?

Everything falls in place when every person, created in God’s image, takes responsibility for what he/she knows best. This universe is comprised of only two forces, contained in goodness and evil. The choice of adopting either of these principles is bestowed on every individual. The starting point is appreciating that slavery is sustained within pride and self-abnegation.

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. In a simple conversational tone, most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope.

The Print copy is now available at Amazon.com for $13.99

Also available as an e-copy at Lulu.com  for $6.99