Individuals preoccupied with material concerns frequently regard spiritual knowledge as superstitious. The spiritual realm is often deemed inexplicable due to a lack of understanding. While a spiritually inclined person may easily understand physical concepts, someone focused solely on the material may find spiritual matters incomprehensible. This represents a state of ignorance that envelops those obsessed with material possessions. In numerous African societies, the failure to confront witches is ascribed to widespread ignorance about spiritual matters. It is commonly held that only a Sangoma has the requisite expertise to deal with witchcraft.
This is incorrect. Jesus assured His disciples that they would have the power to face and expel demons. Their failure to do so would stem from a lack of faith, which is founded on knowledge. Demons can influence people in various ways due to a lack of knowledge. Nevertheless, gaining spiritual insight empowers an individual to tackle any challenge in the physical universe and prevail. However, someone in the physical realm can’t deal with entities in the spiritual realm. Jesus taught that with faith as small as a mustard seed, one could overcome any obstacle, even instructing a mountain to relocate to the sea.
Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table, and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, “Go into the entire world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name, they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:14-18 NKJV).
The disciples would possess the ability to perform tasks deemed complex for humans. The Holy Spirit would grant them the necessary understanding to expel demons and speak in various tongues. To those in the physical realm, such feats would appear miraculous. Similarly, an individual unfamiliar with the workings of a cell phone might view its functionality as miraculous. Thus, it could be argued that miracles are perceived as such only by those lacking knowledge. A person lacking knowledge is easily manipulated by demons.
Ignorance and knowledge both exist within the spiritual domain. Without knowledge, one is susceptible to demonic influence. In contrast, knowledge empowers one to eliminate confusion and reestablish order. The demonic spirit embodies chaos, whereas the Holy Spirit symbolizes order. Jesus discussed casting out demons as they thrive in ignorance. Humanity’s foolish transgressions arise from an absence of knowledge, which paves the way for Satan’s sway. Superstition implies equating knowledge with ignorance.
The triumph over the crucial spiritual challenge, where Jesus faced Satan’s three temptations, was dependent on Jesus’ knowledge. His ability to resist these temptations was rooted in His comprehension of the Scriptures. If Jesus had been as unaware as Eve, Satan might have succeeded as he did with Adam. Therefore, acquiring knowledge is essential to defeat Satan’s schemes. An individual’s reluctance to embrace Biblical teachings often stems from dependence on second-hand information without verifying its truthfulness. A person proficient in Biblical knowledge possesses a considerable advantage over those who have only secular knowledge.
It is a common belief that humans were created to be superior to Satan and that it is only through Satan’s deception that humans fall under his influence. Presently, Satan is thought to be able to influence humans according to his plans. However, the acquisition of knowledge is a shield against Satan’s control over human actions. As the so-called ruler of darkness, Satan’s sway over humanity is attributed largely to ignorance. A person armed with knowledge is believed to be beyond manipulation. Some view the current educational system as compromised by external forces that prioritize exam passing over the practical application of knowledge.
The purpose of education should transcend mere ostentation. It ought to encompass the responsibility inherent in the knowledge obtained. Education should enable individuals to contribute to society instead of anticipating societal service. The knowledge acquired should confer on individuals the obligation to administer their domain of expertise with competence. If the educated were to lead in every facet of life, humanity would face fewer challenges.
In the physical world, we encounter numerous obstacles, yet in the spiritual realm, challenges lessen as knowledge is acquired. There was a time when the disciples were engulfed in panic on the sea and struggling to control the winds. They found Jesus sleeping peacefully below deck. Upon being awakened, He promptly calmed the storm, thus saving everyone on board. Jesus attributed their failure to lacking faith (Mark 4:36-41).
For many, this was yet another miraculous act by Jesus. However, in the spiritual realm, such events are not considered miraculous. Humans are only limited when they confine themselves to the physical realm. When one is conscious of their spiritual potential, nothing is unattainable. Jesus provided exact knowledge for those ready to follow His teachings. Receiving the Holy Spirit, which grants the power to perform acts like Jesus, requires precise adherence to His words. Jesus proclaimed that with faith, anyone could accomplish even greater feats than those He performed.
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:12-14 NKJV).
Conventional schools and colleges do not teach spiritual subjects, often associated with the supernatural. They teach religious subjects, which are different from Spiritual subjects. However, this perspective stems from a lack of awareness of one’s spiritual condition. This ignorance confines humanity to a lower status, with many choosing comfort in ignorance over the pursuit of knowledge. The teachings of Jesus are not extensive; by studying and applying His words, one can attain a level of understanding comparable to that of Jesus, as mentioned previously. This understanding does not necessitate academic education.
There has always been a misunderstanding regarding the nature of a spirit. Africans had a grasp of spirituality before the influence of white missionaries, who altered their original beliefs, leading to misconceptions. They recognized their spiritual nature before being persuaded by those missionaries to equate their spiritual understanding with demonology. For instance, in Shona, a spirit is called ‘Mudzimu,’ and in Sindebele, it is known as ‘Idhlozi.’ Nonetheless, conversations about Mudzimu and Idhlozi can provoke disputes among those who consider themselves Christians, resulting in allegations of demonic association simply for recognizing this element of spirituality.
The lack of spiritual education in schools, confining it to the realm of religion, results in a dilemma. In Sindebele, the Holy Spirit is referred to as ‘u Moya oyingcwele,’ and in Shona, it is ‘Mweya Mutsvene.’ This situation leads to a predicament as many remain unaware of the true nature of a Spirit, as defined incorrectly in vernacular languages. When spirituality is left solely to religious interpretation, the Holy Spirit is shrouded in mystery instead of being a facilitator of knowledge, as Jesus portrayed.
This implies that the white missionaries might not have fully grasped the concept of ‘Spirit’ themselves. They assumed a position of authority over the converts in a matter they did not completely comprehend. Comprehending Jesus was unattainable without understanding the ‘Spirit.’ What was Jesus referring to when he spoke of God providing the Holy Spirit? Therefore, is it any wonder that confusion persists within Christianity?
Endowed with the Holy Spirit, Jesus declared that Christians could achieve feats considered impossible. He announced that those who embraced the Holy Spirit would perform even greater works than His own. Understanding and applying Jesus’ teachings is a prerequisite for this. The teachings of Jesus, as previously stated, are not exhaustive, being limited to the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The Acts of the Apostles and the epistles written by the Apostles serve to extend the doctrines Jesus directly taught.
The Book of Revelation is a prophetic message from Jesus, intended to reveal the forthcoming events to His servants. This revelation was delivered through His angel. The messages within the Bible can be comprehended by reading carefully to grasp Jesus’ teachings. When understanding proves challenging, consulting a reliable dictionary to elucidate terms can be beneficial. While humanity frequently finds itself mired in confusion, and scholars may sometimes add to this complexity, those who seek knowledge without bias will find that understanding the message is not a strenuous task.
A frequently disregarded yet significant facet of human existence is our spiritual dimension, which transcends our physical state. This spiritual core is what sets humans apart from other species. For many, the appeal of religion is rooted in this spiritual element. In contrast to animals, which exhibit no comprehension of religion or deity adoration, the practice of worship is distinctively human. Historically, African societies had a more profound understanding of the human spiritual condition than in later periods following the introduction of Christianity.
The mistreatment of individuals often arises from a failure to acknowledge their spiritual essence. The use of punishment to enforce obedience is a strategy employed by those unable to recognize the spiritual dimension of humanity. A significant shortcoming of the educational system is its disregard for the spiritual facets of humanity. Moreover, presuming that some students are intellectually superior to others demonstrates a disregard for the spiritual equality of humanity. Each person is distinct and should be free to fulfil their divine potential. Unfortunately, it is common for individuals to be coerced into roles that diverge from their true calling in life.
Every individual is unique among their peers. A repressive environment may compel them to deviate from their natural tendencies. Effective parenting enables children to express their true selves rather than imposing specific traits on them. Parents are simply guardians of the children they nurture, entrusted to them by a higher power. Being young does not mean being uninformed; each person is endowed with potential by their Creator. An individual might struggle academically yet thrive in sports or have another significant talent. Punishment as a disciplinary method is the most harmful of all educational strategies.
Societal hierarchies have been formed on the premise that certain individuals possess greater capabilities than others. This notion arises from a material perspective that neglects the spiritual dimension of a person. Spiritual enlightenment in an individual may not necessitate formal training; instead, it requires a consciousness of one’s destiny. The key lies in acknowledging each person’s distinct potential, as every human is unique in the infinite universe. Once an individual realizes their true self, they may surpass those who presume to be their superiors in knowledge. This realization underscores the need for a transformation in the educational system.
Jesus disclosed a mystery previously unknown to the world. Whether by coincidence or providence, Simon Peter correctly identified Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God. In essence, Jesus was destined to be nothing other than what He was. He could not be instructed by others, knowing His inherent purpose. With this realization, Jesus proclaimed He would establish His Church—not merely as a religious assembly, but as a community of individuals who have come to recognize their true identity, akin to Jesus.
When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ (Matthew 16:13-20 NKJV).
The passage of Scripture mentioned is pivotal for the foundation of Christianity. It was intended that the revelation not be shared with the general populace. Jesus commanded that they keep the revelation private. In Matthew 23:8-12, Jesus explicitly directed them not to refer to anyone on earth as “Father,” for their realization of being children of God liberated them from earthly constraints. They were not to assume leadership positions, as each possessed unique talents distinct from the others. They were to recognize their specific roles, with no one but God to oversee their actions.
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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