Every individual is born into an identity crisis—questioning why we inherit a specific race, class, or gender. These mysteries are known only to God, and without understanding our divine purpose, human existence can feel meaningless. While genetics shape our physical form, our spirits are uniquely crafted by God. True potential is discovered not in external validation but within the sacred design of our being.
The Slavery of Human Admiration
Many live in bondage to the opinions of others, shaping their actions around perception rather than divine calling. This obsession with external approval distracts from God’s intent, replacing eternal purpose with fleeting validation. A truly free person rejects this illusion, devoting their life not to pleasing others but to fulfilling the mission for which they were created.
The human body inherently resists pain, making it exceedingly difficult for individuals to engage in actions that do not receive immediate approval. Each person possesses intrinsic worth, reflecting their original potential, but this is often unattainable for many living in contemporary societies. This explains the satisfaction observed even among those enduring the most challenging conditions. The complexities of humanity remain enshrouded in ignorance and confusion, causing all the problems of humanity.
Jesus: The Model of Divine Purpose
Jesus came not as a conqueror to be admired but as a sacrificial lamb to redeem humanity (John 1:29). His path—marked by servitude, not status—reveals the essence of divine greatness. Those who follow Him understand that true fulfillment lies in surrender, not acclaim. As He declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), Jesus offered not worldly success but liberation from confusion. Following His teachings accurately is what matters the most.
The Illusion of Belonging vs. the Clarity of Calling
Humanity’s craving for security often leads to conformity, trading divine purpose for social acceptance. Yet Jesus demonstrated that true belonging is found in obedience to God, not in the approval of others. Many waste their lives chasing validation, unaware that their deepest need is not inclusion but identity in Christ. God is equally accessible to everyone, as affirmed by their creation in His image. They need not seek elsewhere for a model of godliness. The primary issue is that they intentionally resist the divine voice for the sake of social convenience.
The desire to be admired by others often stems from selfish motivations. However, when an individual truly recognizes themselves as a child of God, they cannot be ostentatious. Instead, they become aware of the responsibility to help others discover their own identity in God. Understanding one’s status as God’s child naturally leads to a position of servitude, where one serves without expecting anything in return.
The Myth of Genius and the Truth of Divine Potential
Society idolizes “geniuses,” yet every person carries a God-given uniqueness. Jesus was not a mere genius but the embodiment of surrendered purpose. His greatness lay not in human accolades but in revealing the path to freedom. Likewise, each of us is called to embrace our role—not to be celebrated but to serve, according to our originally designed purpose.
The Paradox of Greatness: Humility Over Pride
Humanity’s fixation on physical and social status distorts true greatness. Jesus dismantled this illusion by washing the feet of His students (John 13:1–17), proving that elevation comes through humility (James 4:10). Pride in our temporary condition is destructive; so that only by dying to self can we live in divine purpose. Out of ignorance, each person carries a potential that remains hidden until the same person vanishes from this world.
The Danger of Hierarchies in Faith
Modern Christianity often elevates leaders beyond scriptural warrant, fostering a culture of reverence that Jesus never endorsed. While Paul’s teachings are invaluable, they must be weighed against the Gospels. Jesus alone is Christianity’s foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11); all other ground is sinking sand. Paul’s epistles are relevant only as they confirm what Jesus taught rather than what came from personal opinions.
Hierarchical systems—whether in church or society—tempt people to seek human approval over divine obedience. Who doesn’t want to receive accolades from one’s superiors? This distortion, rooted in Satan’s influence (2 Corinthians 4:4), replaces worship of God with idolatry, confirmed in idolizing those holding positions of authority.
The Path of the Purpose-Driven Life
History’s transformative figures are those who defy convention, just as Jesus faced opposition for His mission. To achieve anything worthwhile in this life, one has to go against the approval of those in hierarchical positions of authority. Our calling is not to climb ladders of human making but to kneel in service to God’s design. This is as true as the modern civilization is based on those having defied all odds to achieve success in their endeavors.
Conclusion: Born for More
Jesus died for humanity—not animals—because our potential is divine. This is not intended to persuade anyone to feel exalted, but to feel dehumanized, as long as living in a physical condition. In other words, one needs to be dehumanized before accessing the potential for which one was created.
A person can be admired by many for their achievements, but this admiration becomes insignificant when compared to their true potential. This is unimaginable, yet truly exists within every human, regardless of background. Chasing after admiration can lead to a waste of life and a rejection of one’s inherent value. True fulfillment begins when we stop seeking external validation. “What do they think of me?” and start asking, “God, what did You create me to do?”
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, which lays 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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