In this world, perhaps the greatest misfortune is to be materially wealthy but intellectually impoverished. Consider a person who has access to vast amounts of cash and material possessions, yet has no idea how to utilize that wealth. A prime example is the Prodigal Son, who received his inheritance from his loving father but squandered it on reckless living. Reduced to poverty, he eventually realized his folly and humbly sought to amend his ways. His father welcomed him back, reinstating his intellectual faculties. Similarly, Jesus narrated a parable, describing a rich man who, after a plentiful harvest, thought only of himself rather than others. That rich man earned the label of a fool.
Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:16-21 NKJV).
Jesus came up with this parable when addressing a problem raised by one of the two brothers who had quarrelled over some inheritance. Children often assume that inheriting properties from parents is worthwhile. However, Jesus sought to prove a point that there was no wisdom in that assumption. The best heritage that parents can leave to their children is education. Reducing those children to assume that inheriting their parents’ properties would be dignified is a great mistake. The freely acquired material, without exchange, reduces a person’s integrity. Future generations cannot be guaranteed by material but intellectual heritage.
Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:13-15 NKJV).
Nevertheless, the most enigmatic phenomenon of being materially rich but intellectually poor portrays the status of the African continent. I cannot think of any other continent that is as materially wealthy, but significantly as poor as Africa. Others associate this phenomenon with skin colour, which many black people accept as true. The most advanced intellectual viewpoint is that the African continent is poor because it is inhabited by black people. There seems to be a consensus, across these intellectual viewpoints, suggesting Africa is a poor continent because it is inhabited by blacks. The revolutionary struggles were initiated based on skin colour and continue, even though having acquired political independence.
Certainly, this perspective can be seen as a contributing factor to African issues. In Zimbabwe, the consequences became more severe when the former President took retaliatory actions against white citizens, intending to benefit the blacks. This approach resulted in further impoverishment of the black population. Numerous inaccuracies are being propagated over this vindictiveness. However, the stark reality is evident: following the seizure of white-owned farmlands, the nation plunged further into destitution. Unless this distorted viewpoint is rectified, Zimbabwe will persist in its downward spiral. Unfortunately, arrogance often leads people to persist on their current path, even with an unmistakable manifestation of the negative effects.
Being black bears no significance to their poverty status in Africa. Humans cannot be divided based on skin colour, due to their spiritual origin. There cannot be truth in that the African continent is poor because it is inhabited by black people. The colour of the people inhabiting the African continent bears no significance, but the inclination to be sons of man, as opposed to Sons of God. There may be truth in that, due to their grouping, as black people, Africans may have adopted a culture of greed. The idea of being greedy can be attached to any race. This is just as well-documented that colonization contributed to African impoverishment. Assuming that the accumulation of wealth to self translates into wealth describes human nature, regardless of racial background.
It is essential, therefore, to determine the reasons for colonization by other nations before assigning blame to the colonizers. Many misinformed intellectuals believe that the continent’s poverty results from the greed of individuals from other races. However, if this were the case, the dynamics driving Africa’s poverty, despite its wealth of mineral resources, would eventually shift. The fundamental principle remains constant: excessive focus on material wealth, often due to greed, can lead to poverty. Divine laws are universal. It is vital to understand the true nature of wealth and its significance in our world.
At this point, Africa is grappling with the consequences of greed by its leaders. Assigning blame to other races only reinforces the perception of Africa’s impoverished state. A simplistic narrative suggests that Westerners came to Africa solely to exploit its resources. While this view has some validity, it is often contested by those who are historically informed. Rather than utilize the mineral resources for their benefit, Africans lacked the knowledge to utilize their gold. This perceived ignorance was more likely a result of internal strife, as Africans engaged in brutal and barbaric conflicts, often along tribal lines.
Europeans, who have experienced similar conflicts, ultimately embraced democracy. Thus, it is unfair to attribute barbaric wars solely to the African continent. While democracy has its shortcomings, it is generally seen as a step forward from other governance systems. Assigning blame to others is indicative of intellectual deficiency on the part of those from Africa.
Instead of leveraging their civilization, Africans became resentful, expecting to achieve wealth comparable to that of the colonizers. This should not be interpreted as supporting colonization. However, our ancestors believed that by documenting the injustices committed by whites, they would eventually achieve equality. Regrettably, this belief paved the way for black dictators who exploited racial grievances for propaganda. As a result, we witness the ongoing exploitation of mineral resources by the same former colonial powers, where such exploitation is now covertly supported by dictators.
The likelihood of correcting racial imbalances wanes in the presence of vindictiveness towards those viewed as responsible for such disparities. This truth remains hidden to those still under the veil of ignorance of Jesus’ teachings. Jesus imparted undeniable wisdom to humanity. Yet, this wisdom is often fiercely dismissed by those lost in ignorance, who paradoxically engage in actions that hinder their liberation from poverty. They are unwittingly compelled to act contrary to their own desperate needs. Wisdom is labelled foolishness, while foolishness is labelled wisdom.
“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).
The aforementioned Scripture might be considered the most controversial in the Bible. Yet, Jesus was simply articulating a universal law. Our world operates on principles that, when adhered to, can yield beneficial outcomes. Understanding the law of gravity, for instance, equips one to navigate life more effectively than someone who does not recognize its presence. Similarly, ignorance of the law of combustion can have fatal consequences. A carnal person may believe that revenge is solely appropriate to resolve disputes, viewing any alternative as foolish.
The allure of non-essential pursuits stems from the desire for immediate pleasure rather than deferred gratification. It’s akin to someone who relishes laziness, thus avoiding the discomfort associated with toil. Such a slumberous person may be comfortable in not working hard, contrasting those labouring diligently for future gains. The diligent worker can expect to enjoy a bountiful yield, while the one who indulges in slothful leisure may face the repercussions of scarcity. This illustrates the proverb that one reaps what one sows, a principle that holds true across all facets of life.
Jesus exemplified God’s leniency towards even the gravest sinners. However, vindictiveness tends to be more attractive to worldly individuals. They seek forgiveness for themselves yet often falter when it comes to extending it to their adversaries. Some people rationalize their bitterness with terms like “righteous indignation,” convinced it is following God’s will. While the deeds of the corrupt are indeed troubling, confronting these issues requires considerable sacrifice. The deep reality is that spiritual advancement is often more profoundly achieved through adversity than through tenderness.
Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’” The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”
Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:16-26 NKJV).
The wealthy young man departed in sorrow after Jesus proposed what seemed unachievable. Jesus highlighted a distinction between attachment to material possessions and spiritual values. It is difficult to transcend a materialistic state when one holds dear to such possessions. The problem with attachment is that death inevitably separates us from our beloved possessions, despite our desires. In spite of this reality, some may cling to these transient objects rather than seeking eternity. Only by letting go of material possessions can one be assured of entering the Kingdom of God.
If the wealthy young man who declined Jesus’ invitation were to be resurrected today, could he reclaim the wealth he once valued so highly? Conversely, had he followed Jesus’ teachings at the time, what might his reward be now? Many today could learn from his encounter with Jesus. Consider the satisfaction of meeting him and sharing tales of life in God’s Kingdom. Upon resurrection, he would remember his conversation with Christ. The dialogue between the young man and Jesus is as real today as it was nearly two thousand years ago.
When the disciples heard Jesus speak of the impossibility of those clinging to their possessions to enter God’s Kingdom, they were disheartened. Yet, Jesus comforted them, affirming that with God, all things are possible. Recognizing God’s power makes the impossible possible for that individual too. Such a person starts to trust in Jesus’ teachings without doubt. This is the essence of faith in Jesus: what is impossible for humans is possible through Him. Then, one can truly value the reduction of the material in favour of enhancing the spiritual. Without this, Christianity would not exist; it would be a mere pretence, serving no effect on humanity.
This text conveys the richness of the spirit over material wealth. It suggests that in Christianity, comfort is found in striving for what seems unachievable. Trusting in Jesus means not waiting for Him to do what is meant for individuals. For instance, the rich young man should not have expected Jesus to provide for the poor; rather, Jesus directed him to sell his possessions to help them. His duty was to follow Jesus’ instruction, which involved a call to dedicate his life to Him. The core message is that true faith is devoid of fear and timidity. By not fixating on material possessions, one can attain spiritual richness and be assured of God’s Kingdom.
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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