The recent heated debates about who was better between Smith and Robert Mugabe have revealed the real problem plaguing Zimbabweans. A wrong action cannot be deemed right because it is done by my father or someone from my tribe or race. Similarly, a right action cannot be deemed wrong because it is done by someone not associated with my tribe or race. This is common sense. The inability to distinguish between such fundamental principles appears to be the real issue plaguing this nation.
The behaviour of animals and other species appears to lack certain evolutionary developments attributed to humans. Whether factual or not, Darwinism proposed evolutionary processes that seem to have applied only to humans rather than other species. This suggests a reality that makes humans unique among species in the universe, demanding a focus on substance rather than fiction. It seems we have reached a stage where civilization requires us to debate principles of right and wrong, rather than indulge in personal backgrounds.
The question of whether there was ever a need for debate on matters of racial or tribal patterns should be relegated to history. Many historical facts about racial or tribal issues can be embarrassing when discussed in the current generation. History should serve only to remind us of the right things that need to be repeated if they still hold value. Those things that were wrong are best forgotten, rather than evoking them to affect the current generation. What is right can be adopted, even from any other race, without wasting time, or engaging in traditions.
Where was Smith right and where was he wrong? Similarly, where was Mugabe right and where was he wrong? These are the only fundamental questions to debate, without necessarily evoking emotions, aroused by the wrongs done. The discussion on right and wrong should be towards adopting the positive net effect after producing an effective analysis of past events. The effectiveness of gold panning seems based on this principle. The type of soil carries no relevance, except the extracted gold.
The past mistakes committed by our ancestors hold no relevance in our current existence. The new trajectory should focus on doing the right things and discarding the wrong ones. The problem is that such emotive communication will mislead uninformed future generations, assuming the past had relevance when the opposite is true. In the field of insanity, psychotics live in the past without regard to the present time. The other group represents neurotics who concentrate on the present moment, disregarding past or future events.
The state of sanity necessitates appreciating the present time while focusing on the future, rather than obsessing over the present and the past. A driver who constantly looks in the rear-view mirror is likely to be involved in a terrible accident. This contrasts with a driver who, while aware of the condition of his or her vehicle, keeps their eyes focused ahead. Such a driver can identify safe routes and hazards ahead, ensuring safe travel. Furthermore, it is crucial to recognize that current realities are a direct result of previous actions.
“Where there is no vision, the people perish; But happy is he who keeps the law” (Proverbs 29:18 KJV), Related verse: Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it” (Habakkuk 2:2 NKJV).
Tragic accidents are common in this world, often resulting from a lack of precautions in matters of survival. Zimbabwe, as a nation, failed to adopt the principle of vision after attaining independence. During that period, some people believed independence was synonymous with an easy life. They prioritized achieving high standards of living over the effort required to attain them. Issues were viewed through racial lenses instead of being addressed based on principles of right and wrong.
The incompetence that prevailed in governance was not related to race but rather resulted from ethical violations in distinguishing right from wrong. The blame game became widespread, and the white population assumed the issue did not concern them. The prevalent incompetence in governance led to a mass exodus of the white population. Nevertheless, a considerable number of black people also left during that period.
The majority of the black populace assumed that the white exodus was driven by racism but failed to consider the black exodus as well. The merchants of chaos exploited this confusion, assigning blame to the whites, while the whites did the same for black leaders. Those in power used racial propaganda to steal from government coffers, causing the uninformed to agree. This underscores the fallacy of attributing incorrect causes to matters of survival.
No one became willing to take responsibility. The important factor is that there cannot be a failure to take responsibility, due to pigmentation. The whites were a minority, but still carried the responsibility of being Zimbabweans, as long as born in this country. A person found to be ahead of the pack should not necessarily be assumed to be a leader. The definition of leadership implies the willingness and the ability to take responsibility for matters of survival. A person who is good at giving excuses and blaming others should not be mistaken for a leader.
Things fell apart from that moment onwards. Blaming President Mnangagwa and the military establishment for the current situation is incorrect. Each of us needs to look in the mirror to see the person responsible for the breakdown of order in Zimbabwe. Everyone is groping in darkness, blaming others rather than the person in the mirror. This demonstrates a preference for living in darkness rather than confronting the light, as revealed in the Gospel of John.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (John 1:1-5 NKJV).
When considering the statement, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men,” it should be noted that this has nothing to do with race, gender, class, or any other consideration. The term “men” refers to humanity in general. This message is directed to humanity rather than those wrongly granted leadership positions. Jesus exonerated them, saying: “Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch” (Matthew 15:14 NKJV).
Groping in darkness provides no resolution whatsoever. A person may run in circles, like a squirrel in a cage, but without any hope of escape. Surprisingly, Jesus does not appeal to the deceived individuals who are easily impressed by appearances. Anyone claiming to have studied at renowned institutions is readily listened to, without scrutiny of their statements. Those claiming to be educated, flaunting their credentials to the uninformed will continue to deceive many as they dominate social media platforms. Nevertheless, Jesus remains the sole beacon of light for the wise.
Criticism should be directed at those who use the name of Jesus in vain. They often cite selected Scriptures to confirm the status quo, whether knowingly or unknowingly. However, the purpose of Jesus’ followers is to take responsibility, yet everyone seems afraid to do so. Just as Jesus came to take responsibility, leading to His sacrifice on the cross, His followers should emulate this behaviour. Nevertheless, Christianity is frequently used to pursue a good life, when the opposite should be true. What Jesus said about taking responsibility in matters of living is completely ignored.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16 NKJV).
There can be no excuse for not taking Jesus seriously. Christianity is not for holidaymakers; it is intended for those who have committed themselves to taking responsibility for survival, just as Jesus did. Holding grudges against those believed to be the causes of the status quo is only for those coexisting in darkness with such leaders. A Christian is a new creation, expected to make a significant difference in their environment. The greatest obstacle for most people is falsehoods, taken for granted out of possible laziness to verify the Scriptures.
“For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you the opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:12-21 NKJV).
One cannot effectively reconcile protagonists without the ability to discern right from wrong. Such a person must not be entangled in racial or tribal differences, as they are above such trivialities, wielding the light of Jesus. This does not describe a coward who prioritizes their own concerns over those in need of help. All this is tied to knowing the truth, which is what sets people free.
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them,
“Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill Me because My word has no place in you. I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father.” (John 8:31-38 NKJV).
Those involved in the altercation with Jesus were oblivious to His identity as the light bearer. They claimed not to be in bondage, yet they were under the Roman Empire. They did not recognize that sin was a spiritual condition of assuming to know when the opposite was true. Sin had enslaved them, making them comfortable in their confusion and causing them to take offence against the light bearer. Despite having the law at their disposal, they were unable to distinguish between right and wrong. They perceived wrongdoing in Jesus, even without evidence.
Their behaviour can be likened to our situation in Zimbabwe. Some individuals presume knowledge, concerning matters, when actually ignorant of them, preferring to take positions based on assumptions. This issue appears to be perpetuated by arrogance. The Jewish pride in their identity as Abraham’s descendants may have prevented them from listening without prejudice. They were not unique in this dilemma. They still could not submit to Jesus, despite the numerous extraordinary deeds He had performed, possibly considering Jesus inferior to them.
The fundamental principles of distinguishing right from wrong can be outlined and summarized by applying unchanging laws. “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12 NKJV). At independence, this principle could not be upheld by those who believed that their racial identity was paramount. It also could not be adhered to by those who considered themselves more Zimbabwean than individuals with white skin. Common sense dictates that no one ever chose to be white or black, yet they were all born in a country that was once Rhodesia and later became Zimbabwe.
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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