The wish is to see a big following on social media. This grants validation that the posted messages carry sufficient impact on other people’s lives. However, such aspirations are often measured by human standards, based on what can be observed with the physical eyes. Jesus had a huge following during His time. However, those people were mostly attracted by His miracles and not necessarily His teachings. Rather than attractive to the audience, His teachings were repulsive. Thus, the only indication that one is preaching the truth of Christ may be reflected in having fewer followers on social media.
The greater the number of followers, the less Christ’s message seems to be present. This seems to be the sole method of determining what represents the work of God. While Scriptures are generally seen as clear and universally esteemed, their contents may not sit well with everyone. The Bible has attracted more global reverence than any other book. However, it may also be the most widely misinterpreted book. Its controversy is not intrinsic but stems from significant misinterpretations by many.
The misinterpretation of the Bible often stems from individuals’ attempts to align it with their personal standards. The emergence of numerous denominational churches can be attributed to the segmentation of diverse human interests. People tend to project their own viewpoints onto what they believe pleases God, which results in a lack of clarity around core doctrines. Individuals inclined towards honesty have often chosen to dissociate themselves from Christianity. However, it is the majority that propagates its misrepresentation for personal gain. Jesus highlighted this principle, underlying this widespread phenomenon, yet it remains widely misunderstood.
And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them, the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:
‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,
And seeing you will see and not perceive;
For the hearts of these people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.’
“But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear, for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it” (Matthew 13:10-17 ESV)
The aforementioned passage does not suggest that Jesus employed parables to simplify His teachings. However, many self-identified Christians suppose parables are designed to simplify Jesus’ teachings. Verses 11-12 are particularly emphatic: “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.” This appears to be at odds with his mission to save the world, rendering the public’s bewilderment quite understandable.
The rejection of Jesus, if based on misunderstanding, is justifiable, and those who choose to opt-out deserve respect for their candour. A problem emerges when some individuals intentionally manipulate the message to mislead others for various motives. A common struggle among people is the inability to confront. Those who misrepresent Scripture may believe they are aiding God, to prevent losing the very people He wishes to reach. The notion is preposterous, as it presumes a level of wisdom surpassing that of God.
Paradoxically, individuals who embrace this belief are often seen as highly devout. Those pointing out these contradictions might be accused of heresy. This scenario highlights the fundamental problems within Christianity, where traditions and misconceptions have been accepted as the norm. Thus, it falls upon the honest few to align with divine principles and rectify these matters. While some may resign themselves to despair, indicating a lack of faith, others offer themselves as instruments of God to enact change.
The tendency to succumb to despair often stems from assuming some people were predestined to address such issues, rather than oneself. Indeed, the crux of the world’s issues may rest with those who consider themselves God’s children, yet fail to take action to resolve problems. If an individual adopts Jesus as the exemplar for Christianity and self-identifies as a Christian, why would they seek solutions elsewhere? Those facing such dilemmas should seek guidance from Jesus’ apostle, John, who recognized himself as a Son of God, not merely an ordinary individual.
“No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this, we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us. If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also” (1 John 4:12-21 ESV).
The people one loves can indeed become estranged, even hateful, to one, in the pursuit of truth. In such situations, an individual’s determination to uphold one’s convictions should be fortified. This is in harmony with the teachings of Jesus, which suggest that one ought to find joy in times of hardship instead of succumbing to widespread acceptance. Jesus himself was rejected and ultimately killed by His own community, who were the custodians of the Scriptures He upheld. In matters of love, it is unwise to consider only those who can return one’s affections.
John declares, “If we love one another, God lives within us, and His love is perfected in us. This is how we know that we reside in Him and He in us: He has given us His Spirit.” According to John, the individual he describes should not be seen as separate from God, similar to how Jesus should not have been seen as separate from God. Paul also echoed this sentiment in his letter to the Romans. Those who avoid confronting such Scriptures are pretenders assuming authority, thereby attempting to overshadow Christ’s glory.
“But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:8-17 ESV).
Paul explores a concept that goes beyond the physical world, unveiling a spiritual entity distinct from the flesh. He explains that the real nature of God’s Son is not embodied in the flesh but in the Spirit, created in the image of God. Paul contends that for a person to truly exist, they must live according to the Spirit and mortify the deeds of the body. Contemplating the significance of being created in God’s image might resolve any perplexity. Paul then addresses the indwelling of God’s Spirit in an individual, putting him or her at one with God.
Such an individual is united with Jesus, surpassing the bond of a physical father and son, where a son might not reflect his father’s characteristics. This union with Christ raises the person to a status worthy of divine inheritance, essential for adopting eternity. Therefore, accessing the Holy Spirit is serious; which is why, Jesus shields His truth from nonbelievers. He anticipates a display of sincere dedication before welcoming someone into that union.
Granting indiscriminate access to the Holy Spirit would be hazardous, as Jesus points out in Luke 14:31, regarding the importance of considering the benefit analysis. Fundamentally, one should not seek the Holy Spirit while still ensnared by worldly possessions, as Jesus is concerned about the possibility of reverting to sin. This peril does not exist if the person has yet to embrace the Holy Spirit. Christ’s mercy is overwhelmingly sufficient to address humanity’s sins.
The temptations of the flesh, with its pleasures, like food, sex, and other sensual delights, are strong for many. However, those sincerely seeking divine refuge can overcome these by contemplating the importance of weighing the costs. The real challenge often resides in conquering pride, linked to one’s social status within the community. This is illustrated by the story of a rich young man who approached Jesus, hoping to become a disciple. The dialogue revealed a reluctance that mirrors pride, which compromises the principles of God’s Kingdom.
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 ESV).
His wealth was a significant obstacle. He could not overcome that hurdle. Jesus declared that for such an individual to follow Him was as impossible as a camel passing through the eye of a needle. The disciples understood: that entering God’s Kingdom was impossible for anyone on their own. Jesus explained that it required a divine intervention for such a person to succeed. This illustrates why He seemed to prevent people from casually following Him. A divine intervention is necessary for one to relinquish the worldly glory they hold dear. Following Jesus is not merely about the preacher’s charisma or a feeling of comfort; it transcends these.
Some may appear poor yet might not resist the lure of opulence should it come their way. Thus, it cannot be accurate to presume that poverty ensures an effortless entry into God’s Kingdom. Envision a millennium after Christ’s reign has been established, ensuring prosperity for all and restoring Earth’s pristine beauty. It would be unexpected for anyone to then provoke a rebellion against such governance! (Revelation 20:7-10). Therefore, no one can come to God unless the Father, who sent Him, draws them, as stated in John 6:44. This, precisely, authenticates lesser numbers in followership on social media, being a sign of God’s approval.
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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