The world is burdened with complex problems that often appear insurmountable. Many have placed their hope in the second coming of Jesus Christ, yet Jesus Himself consistently emphasized the transformative power of faith. He told His disciples that with faith as small as a mustard seed, nothing would be impossible (Matthew 17:20). Today, modern Christianity professes to follow His teachings, but the question remains: how deeply rooted are believers in these teachings? The answer lies in whether they possess even the smallest measure of faith.
Faith, by its very nature, is intangible and impossible to measure. It is a matter of the heart, known fully only to God. However, the persistent problems plaguing the world suggest that Jesus’ teachings are either ignored or not genuinely believed. If His words are not taken seriously, what does that mean for Christians, who are called to be salt and light in a world of confusion? Tragically, those who sincerely strive to live by Jesus’ teachings are often dismissed as heretics or extremists.
This pattern of disbelief is not new. During Jesus’ ministry, the religious leaders of His time dismissed His miracles, attributing them to the power of Beelzebub rather than acknowledging the divine authority behind them (Matthew 12:24). For instance, when Jesus healed a man born blind on the Sabbath, the Pharisees were more concerned with the violation of religious laws than the miraculous restoration of sight (John 9:1-16). Their scepticism stemmed from their inability to reconcile Jesus’ actions with their rigid expectations and established norms.
This resistance to the extraordinary is a recurring theme in human history. Innovators and visionaries often face scepticism and rejection because their ideas challenge the status quo. The doctrine of stable datum—the human tendency to cling to what is known and resist the unfamiliar—explains why groundbreaking ideas are frequently met with disbelief. What is now widely accepted was once fiercely opposed. For example, the invention of the aeroplane, the discovery of electricity, and the development of vaccines were all initially met with scepticism. Yet, once these innovations proved their worth, society embraced them without questioning why they were resisted in the first place.
A contemporary example of this phenomenon can be found in Zimbabwe, where Maxwell Chikumbutso has developed a Micro-sonic Energy Device, an electric model that challenges conventional energy systems. Despite its potential, Chikumbutso faces widespread scepticism, largely because he lacks formal credentials and his invention seems “too good to be true.” What is most disheartening is that much of this disbelief comes from Christians, who should be the first to embrace the possibility of the extraordinary, given their faith in a God who specializes in the impossible.
Jesus’ emphasis on faith as small as a mustard seed was a declaration of the realm of possibilities, not impossibilities. Central to this understanding is the recognition that humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). If God is limitless, then His image-bearers also possess the potential to achieve the extraordinary. The inability of one person to accomplish something does not negate the possibility for others. This truth requires humility, as pride often blinds individuals to the potential in others and themselves.
Sadly, the world is sustained by a culture of categorization and comparison. People often derive comfort from labeling others as inferior or superior, rather than celebrating the unique gifts each person brings. When those deemed inferior achieve success beyond expectation, it can provoke envy, denial, or even distress. This mindset of disbelief and pride may well be a root cause of the world’s struggles, as it stifles innovation and perpetuates division.
The truth is that every individual is uniquely gifted, yet many suppress their abilities out of fear of invalidation or rejection. This fear breeds unbelief, which in turn hinders the kind of faith that can move mountains. Pride exacerbates this problem, as it fosters the illusion that one race, class, or group is inherently superior to another. Such thinking is not only false but also contrary to the teachings of Jesus, who called His followers to humility and service (Matthew 20:26-28).
The solutions to humanity’s greatest challenges may lie with those who are often overlooked or dismissed as liabilities. Yet, accessing these solutions requires a shift in mindset—one that values humility, curiosity, and faith over scepticism and pride. Children, for instance, are often discouraged from exploring their potential by educational systems and authority figures who prioritize conformity over creativity. This suppression of innovation begins early and persists throughout life, as society tends to elevate sceptics and critics over visionaries and dreamers.
Jesus taught that those entrusted with knowledge are responsible for sharing it with others (Luke 12:48). This principle is often undermined by those who seek to elevate themselves above others, creating hierarchies of power and privilege. Such behaviour is incompatible with the faith Jesus described, which is rooted in humility and service. Pride and envy are barriers to this faith, as they prioritize human approval over divine truth.
The uncomfortable truth is that no one is inherently superior or inferior to another. To categorize people in this way is to despise the image of God in them. Those privileged to understand something others do not are empowered with a duty to help others realise that understanding. This is the example Jesus set when He, though divine, chose to serve and sacrifice for humanity (Philippians 2:5-8). He even rejected the title of “Good Master,” redirecting the focus to God the Father (Matthew 19:16-17).
Modern Christianity often strays from this model, particularly when it intertwines with politics and power. The expectation of unquestioning obedience to authority—whether in the church or the state—stands in stark contrast to Jesus’ teachings. He warned against titles and hierarchies, emphasizing that the greatest among His followers would be the servant of all (Matthew 23:8-12). Yet, many church leaders today demand reverence and loyalty, often equating dissent with disloyalty to God.
Jesus’ teachings are not merely spiritual; they are profoundly practical and scientific. His statement about moving mountains with mustard-seed faith (Matthew 17:20) was not a metaphor but a profound truth about the power of belief. When His words are diluted or dismissed, the entire foundation of His message collapses. Faith, when rooted in humility and aligned with God’s will, unlocks human potential and enables the impossible.
In conclusion, the world’s problems are not insurmountable, but they require a return to the principles Jesus taught. Faith, humility, and service are the keys to unlocking the potential within each individual. Pride, skepticism, and the fear of the unknown are the obstacles that must be overcome. By embracing the power of belief and living out Jesus’ teachings, Christians can truly make a difference in a world in desperate need of hope and innovation.
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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