The question of whether Zimbabweans believe in God remains speculative, as there is no definitive evidence to conclusively answer it. What is undeniable, however, is the significant support Nelson Chamisa commands in Zimbabwe. Yet, this support does not necessarily stem from the mantra “God is in it,” which has become a contentious topic in social media circles and public discourse. To understand the current state of Zimbabwe, one might draw parallels to the biblical narrative of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness.
The story of the Israelites is both fascinating and instructive. They spent forty years wandering in the wilderness on a journey that should have taken far less time. The Bible attributes this delay to their unbelief and disobedience. Despite being chosen by God, they struggled to align their conduct with His expectations, often mimicking the surrounding nations rather than adhering to divine principles. Their behaviour reflects a universal human tendency—a reluctance to fully trust and follow God.
When Nelson Chamisa invokes the mantra “God is in it,” whether it stems from deep conviction is a matter only God can judge. However, the controversy surrounding this phrase reveals a deeper issue: some individuals are comfortable supporting Chamisa as long as he avoids invoking God. This preference for excluding God from the conversation underscores a troubling trend—a tendency to place excessive trust in human leaders rather than in God. This misplaced trust has led many to blame figures like Mugabe and Mnangagwa for the nation’s woes while absolving themselves of personal accountability.
This reliance on personalities over divine guidance stems from a distorted understanding of God. Many harbour an imaginative conception of God, one that distances them from His true nature. Yet, Scripture reminds us that every person is created in God’s image. To understand God, we need not look elsewhere; His reflection is within us. So, what drives someone to place their faith in a human leader rather than in God? Even today, some believe the state president is responsible for their very breath. This idolatry—the elevation of humans to divine status—is perhaps humanity’s most devastating sin, leaving people vulnerable to exploitation by false prophets.
The account of the twelve spies sent to Canaan imparts a significant lesson. Before the Israelites could claim the Promised Land, they dispatched twelve men to survey the territory. Ten of these spies returned with a pessimistic report, while only Joshua and Caleb demonstrated faith in God’s promise. Unfortunately, the Israelites opted to trust the ten sceptics rather than the two faithful spies. Despite professing belief in God, they disregarded His promises and, consequently, were denied entry into the Promised Land.
This biblical account mirrors Zimbabwe’s current predicament. The assumption that figures like Mnangagwa are solely responsible for the nation’s problems is misguided. The challenges Zimbabwe faces are endemic, reflecting the collective mindset of its people. Expecting change without addressing the underlying attitudes and values of the populace is akin to building a house on sand. Zimbabwe’s culture often prioritizes material wealth over spiritual blessings, equating dignity with the accumulation of possessions rather than moral integrity.
A recent interview with Godfrey Tsenengamu on social media offered a glimmer of hope. Once a staunch Zanu PF supporter, Tsenengamu was expelled from the party on matters of principle, demonstrating a willingness to stand for truth even at great personal cost. Yet, such principled individuals rarely capture the attention of mainstream media, which seems more focused on wealth accumulation than on promoting values. This preoccupation with materialism extends even to churches, where competition for multiple congregants and tithes often overshadows the pursuit of spiritual growth.
The prevailing assumption among many self-proclaimed believers is that Christians should avoid politics. Yet, these same individuals acknowledge that politics plays a significant role in the nation’s troubles. This contradiction reveals a deeper failure: a preference for appearing virtuous rather than actively confronting evil. Many Zimbabwean “believers” view the country’s political and socio-economic chaos as unrelated to themselves, despite reciting Scriptures that call them to be “the light of the world.” Their prayers often focus on thanking God for personal blessings, while ignoring the suffering of their neighbors.
The ridicule of the “God is in it” mantra arises from the belief that it is the root of Zimbabwe’s problems. However, the real issue lies in the unwillingness of many to face uncomfortable truths. Christianity, as exemplified by Jesus, is not about comfort but about sacrifice. In Zimbabwe, however, Christianity is often linked to comfort and material success rather than selflessness and service.
The pursuit of status symbols—expensive cars, affluent neighbourhoods, and academic titles—has driven corruption to unprecedented levels. Those who flaunt their wealth are celebrated as successful, even if their contributions to society are negligible. This culture of materialism is sustained by blaming leaders like Mnangagwa while ignoring personal accountability. While Mnangagwa must be held accountable for his role in corruption, he is not solely responsible. If every Zimbabwean committed to denouncing corruption, the current leadership would not last a day in office.
Zimbabwe’s challenges are not unique to its borders. Many in the diaspora, having fled the country in search of better opportunities, often assume that the nation’s problems do not reflect their own failures. Yet, the order and prosperity they enjoy abroad are the result of citizens in those countries taking responsibility for their societies. To flee from one’s country is to abdicate responsibility. True progress requires sacrifice and a commitment to principle.
The belief that “good people” left Zimbabwe due to Mugabe’s failures is a misconception. In reality, those who left may have contributed to the country’s decline by abandoning their responsibility to effect change. Mugabe was never a god, and neither can Mnangagwa be held responsible for everything. The state of the nation reflects the collective character of its people.
Godfrey Tsenengamu’s story is a testament to the power of principle. By relinquishing his position in Zanu PF and standing for truth, he demonstrated that the phrase “God is in it” is not just a mantra but a call to action. Listening to one’s conscience is akin to listening to God, ensuring that one’s actions reflect God’s character. Tsenengamu’s actions reveal a character worthy of emulation, contrasting sharply with the hypocrisy of many who profess to be Christians.
If more Zimbabweans exhibited Tsenengamu’s courage and integrity, the nation would be on a path to progress. The hatred directed at Mnangagwa is another indication that God is not in it, for Scripture calls us to “love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.” Nelson Chamisa’s call for introspection and the recognition of God’s presence within each individual is a rallying point for national renewal. What eludes many people is that the value of a person is measured by what the person gives, more than what they receive.
In conclusion, the “God is in it” mantra is not merely a slogan but a challenge to embody godly principles in our conduct. If every Zimbabwean embraced this mindset, the nation’s fortunes would transform for the better. The power of corruption thrives when individuals fail to confront it, especially when enticed by freebies. True change begins with personal accountability and a commitment to living out the image of God within us.
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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