Opposing a popular trend, especially in a harmonious environment, requires a unique blend of courage, conviction, and resilience. Democracy, while celebrated for its representation and fairness, can sometimes lead to decisions that don’t align with the views of a minority. This raises important questions about balancing majority rule and minority rights. Being an opponent of the majority often involves several character traits: strong convictions, courage, resilience, effective communication, and empathy.
Those with strong convictions deeply believe in their principles and protect their values, even when unpopular. Courageous individuals face potential backlash, criticism, or isolation for standing against the majority. Resilience is necessary to persist in one’s stance despite challenges and opposition. Effective communication is crucial for articulating one’s perspective clearly and persuasively to foster understanding and dialogue.
Empathy is crucial, as understanding the majority’s perspectives while advocating for change can help bridge gaps and foster sympathy. Being discordant can be a complex and challenging path, but history shows that significant changes often come from those who dare to challenge the status quo. Therefore, it is essential to take action to improve conditions rather than just complain. Excuses do not exist in the minds of those who adopt a stance of discordance in a world focused on causes of destruction.
Weak characters ponder what lies ahead for them after contemplating the risk of death in their pursuit of righteousness. This highlights the essence of pure Christianity, which often contrasts with the popularized version that integrates with a tumultuous world. The apostle Paul advocated against being conformed to the world, but transformed by renewing one’s heart. The prize for doing so is eternity, rather than the gratuitous considerations of this world.
“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” (2 Corinthians 5:14-17 NKJV).
The significance of being a new creation cancels the idea of remaining committed to the tumultuous activities of this world. The world cannot reward those who have become created anew. This is the truth of all ages, possibly unheralded by anyone since the departure of the first apostles. The problem of humanity has always been that of measuring standards according to those of this world, rather than Jesus Christ.
The writings of Paul suggest challenges that cannot augur well for the systematic establishment of Christianity. Who were those people that the apostle was talking about, whom he described as the apostles of Satan? Did such deviators exclusively exist in that era, such that Christians of today no longer need to worry themselves about them? Truth is an expensive but highly valuable commodity. One may lose one’s life for standing up for the truth, but that is exactly what the Christian calling implies.
Paul referred to certain individuals as “apostles of Satan” in his letters, particularly in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15. These individuals were false apostles, deceitful workers masquerading as apostles of Christ. They were likely intruders who undermined Paul’s ministry by promoting legalism and other false teachings. This issue was not exclusive to Paul’s time; similar challenges persist today, requiring vigilance and discernment among Christians.
“As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows! But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:10-14 NKJV).
Indeed, Paul faced significant challenges in distinguishing true apostles from those who merely pretended to be. The tendency to accept the majority’s view as truth, rather than adhering strictly to Jesus’ teachings, has been a persistent issue in Christianity. While Paul’s radical stance might seem excessive, it highlights the delicate balance between being diplomatically lenient and firmly identifying deceitful behaviour.
The majority’s acceptance often grants legitimacy, leaving those who uphold the truth marginalized. This dilemma has persisted throughout Christian history. For many, conforming to the majority offers comfort, even if it means straying from what they believe to be true. This leads to a failure to fully grasp or follow Jesus’ teachings. The core principle of Christianity, however, cast a distinction between worldly desires and spiritual conviction.
“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 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” (Romans 8:6-10 NKJV).
Paul’s teachings, though often countercultural, are fundamental to the Christian faith. They highlight spiritual truths that may not always align with worldly values. While sharing these truths can be unpopular, they are crucial to the message of Jesus and the identity of a Christian. Therefore, it is necessary to find ways to balance these spiritual teachings with everyday life to remain focused.
“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’?
“Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?
“Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Luke 14:27-35 NKJV).
The concept of counting the costs is crucial when contemplating the importance of embracing Christianity. Double-mindedness can be detrimental, as the Christian journey demands deep commitment and often entails significant sacrifices. Human nature’s inclination towards comfort and convenience can make it challenging to fully grasp the long-term dedication needed.
The analogy of the desert is indeed powerful, illustrating the solitude and trials faced by those who carry God’s message, much like Jesus and John the Baptist. Rejoicing in persecution rather than seeking approval is a profound reminder of the core of the Christian faith. It highlights the importance of unwavering belief, even in the face of adversity. The call to don the armour of God and serve with humility, as John the Baptist did, truly exemplifies the selfless nature of genuine Christian service.
The urgency to fulfil God’s work, despite challenges, is a compelling call to action. Jesus’ promise that even the smallest acts of kindness will be rewarded underscores the value of every effort made in His name. This perspective indeed encourages believers to persist in their mission with dedication and faith, knowing their efforts contribute to a greater divine purpose.
“For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea” (Mark 9:41-42 NKJV).
It’s fascinating how even the smallest acts of kindness can be so significant, while harmful actions carry serious consequences. This duality underscores the profound responsibility towards others, especially those considered God’s servants. It highlights the moral weight of our actions and the impact they can have.
Christianity’s view of humans as both spiritual and physical beings indeed enriches its ethical and moral framework. The belief that our spiritual nature transcends the physical world, exemplified by the resurrection of Jesus, underscores the enduring significance of the spiritual realm. Understanding this balance is crucial for a comprehensive grasp of Christian ethics and morality. Consequently, Jesus emphasized a profound approach to introspection and transformation.
“If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire. Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.
“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.
“Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established’” (Matthew 18:7-10 NKJV).
Painful experiences often stem from human failures when dealing with the physical world. For example, no one feels comfortable when mistreated by others. However, Jesus taught that Christians should find comfort even in persecution. This is due to the conflict between the spirit and the flesh. Embracing spirituality as a Christian means facing strong opposition from the physical world, including one’s own desires.
The things that a person finds most unpleasant might be the very things that lead to salvation. Conversely, the things that bring comfort could hinder one’s path to salvation. While salvation is freely offered, it can be costly in terms of giving up the comfort that comes with worldly approval. Nobody knows how long it takes to be physically alive, to gamble with chances.
Here is my special offer for the regular readers of this blog, which should not be considered the sole source of God’s truth. Collectively, God’s servants deserve fair treatment, as if treating Christ Himself. Those who openly denounce the content as heretical are better than those who spot errors but fail to correct the writer. This includes those who can help by spreading the material or providing financial assistance but refrain from doing so.
Maintaining this blog costs money. Some readers might assume it personally benefits the writer, but it’s important to recognize God’s involvement. The reason behind Jesus’ phrase about helping Him by helping His servants (Matthew 25:34ff) is unknown. This isn’t necessarily a solicitation for funding, but a reminder that we’re in this together.
This blog has been around for about ten years without direct help. Like those spreading the gospel, offering a cup of water to the bearer of such news might be fitting. However, it’s up to each reader to decide if this is God’s work or not. Only God’s servants, known by Him, understand His workings. But even the writer cannot fully know who those servants are.
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.
The Print copy is now available at Amazon.com for $13.99
Also available as an e-copy at Lulu.com for $6.99