It can be observed that, under current conditions, other species might be safer without human interference. The widespread degradation of the world is largely a result of human habitation. In various regions, lands have been stripped bare, and numerous animal species are now endangered or have become extinct due to human activities. Humans were not inherently designed to disrupt the cyclical balance of the earth. According to the creation story in the Bible, humanity was created to steward and enhance the orderly existence of the earth. Religion was born out of a desire to appease the spiritual condition of humanity.
The role of religion in societies can be quite diverse but caused by the awareness of being Spiritual. It’s unclear who first conceptualized religion, but it typically fulfils several roles, such as providing life’s meaning and purpose and enhancing social cohesion and stability. Religion also acts as a mechanism for social control, fostering mental and physical health. In its absence, motivating individuals towards positive societal change could prove challenging. Views on religion’s influence vary; some perceive it as a benefactor to social services and community solidarity, while others criticize it for exacerbating social disparities and discord.
Each species survives based on its inherent defensive mechanisms. Birds are safer because they can fly away from predators. Buffaloes have horns to combat foes. Carnivorous animals possess claws and strong teeth for hunting and killing prey. Grass grows abundantly, providing ample food for herbivores and contributing to soil fertility. Every species has a purpose for survival; nothing exists without reason within the cyclical nature of Earth’s transient existence. However, humans, while conditioned similarly to animal species, are not solely of this world.
Religion serves as a reminder of humanity’s spiritual heritage from any viewpoint. Before European influence, African religious practices were centred on ancestral worship while they acknowledged a supreme deity. Today, this practice is frequently undervalued, seen as a consequence of a lack of advanced education among Africans. However, although formal education is important for physical knowledge advancement, spiritual insight remains crucial. Without spiritual awareness, an individual might be deemed virtually non-existent, as indistinguishable from the animal species of the world.
Throughout history, humans have demonstrated a natural tendency towards spirituality, often transforming tangible objects into idols for worship. Miraculous entities have been regularly revered. Such behaviour is unique to humans and not observed in other animal species. The recording of God’s interactions with humanity, particularly through the lineage of Abraham, identified miracles as divine signs to the Israelites. It is among this group that faith is documented, one that includes direct divine intervention with humanity.
The religious scriptures of the Israelites foretold the coming of the Messiah, an event that would redefine the role of religion. Jesus’ fundamental mission was to guide humanity towards godliness. For the first time, humanity would be connected to its Creator through Jesus. Nonetheless, certain procedures had to be adhered to for one to be united with God. Spiritual knowledge is immensely potent, yet it is not disseminated through this world’s educational systems. It is this lack of awareness that has often led to confusion among the faithful.
The teachings of Jesus call for a renunciation of one’s physical existence. In essence, embracing Christ’s teachings necessitates the unlearning of all presumed knowledge acquired since birth. Jesus introduced to Nicodemus the concept of rebirth. A person born into this world is identified as the offspring of their physical parents. Yet, someone who is born again relinquishes this biological identification. Instead, they adopt a new consciousness of being a child of God, mirroring Jesus’ assertion of His divine son-ship over being the progeny of Joseph and Mary.
While Jesus sought to deliver all from spiritual darkness, a source of human suffering, He did not intend to do so without a methodical approach. This method involves the renunciation of the present educational system’s values. Divine knowledge stands apart from the world’s educational structures. The method entails first discarding all that the person would have deemed essential, before embracing divine wisdom. Jesus equated this to self-denial, signifying the substitution of earthly knowledge with the superior wisdom of God. Such a procedure does not appear to make sense to those entrapped in the sinfulness of this world.
“However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Corinthians 2:6-8 NKJV).
The quest for divine knowledge hinges on a singular principle: the willingness to learn, which demands humility. Embracing humility is, arguably, humanity’s greatest challenge. It is a universal battle to accept humility. Take the case where someone has upheld a dignified presence to win peer acceptance. To relinquish this without divine assistance might appear insurmountable. Each individual holds a certain level of dignity necessary for societal recognition. Pride yearns for external validation, without which one might feel devoid of life’s purpose. Jesus adheres to divine protocols when interacting with humanity, preserving each individual’s freedom. Divine knowledge is not dispensed to humanity haphazardly.
Religion can present obstacles, complicated by traditions and customs that may stigmatize the teachings of Jesus. Jesus offered a direct line of communication from God, eliminating the need for religious intermediaries. He positioned Himself as the authority in uniting humanity with God. A willingness to learn fosters humility, where pride can be the sole barrier. The religious Jews, who were guardians of God’s Law, treated it as a religious artefact rather than a means to connect with humanity, leading to the rejection of Jesus on these grounds.
Contrary to the widespread belief that God aims to lead everyone to repentance in this era of Christianity, the reality is quite different. For example, while many may be drawn to Christianity, not all can perceive its truth. As stated in Matthew 22:14, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” When Prophet Daniel acknowledged his lack of understanding of these mysteries, he was informed that the comprehension of these revelations would be confined to God’s designated timing. Some would grasp the meaning while the majority would continue to be perplexed.
Although I heard it, I did not understand. Then I said, “My lord, what shall be the end of these things?” And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand” (Daniel 12:8-9 NKJV).
Without Jesus Christ’s intervention, humans are uniquely tied to religion, rehabilitating their connection to this world. Yet, once an individual embraces Jesus’ teachings, the role of religion diminishes. Such a person transcends worldly existence, becoming a child of God. Though still linked to this world in some manner, they navigate a dilemma in their daily life, struggling to connect with relatives and facing persecution akin to that which Jesus endured. It is not surprising that anything not of this world is met with resistance by those within it.
“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 8:9-17 NKJV).
A spiritual person is not of this world, just as Jesus was not, although he was as physical as his contemporaries. How can a spiritual person remain physical when the two states are dichotomous, sharing nothing in common? The answer lies in the state of death humanity entered due to Adam’s sin. Humans cannot live in physical conditions while striving for spiritual ones. This concept underpins Jesus’s death, which set a precedent for humanity. As Paul stated, the two states are in opposition, where the person is expected to choose to pursue either of the two.
“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:16-21 NKJV).
The transgressions listed are inescapable for those in this world, as they epitomize the essence of worldliness. To claim exemption from such pitfalls is to be both hypocritical and delusional. It is impossible to be part of this world without being touched by these realities. They embody the inherent worldliness that is inescapable for all who dwell here. Death is the sole escape from such a state. True sincerity lies in embracing the death of Christ, living as He did, and fully acknowledging the significance of His sacrifice. To suffer as Christ did is to receive a blessing.
Enduring unpleasant experiences is essential for liberation from worldly constraints. Paul listed traits of a spiritual person that transcend fleshly works. Experiencing these traits brings joy, which may appear irrational to the unspiritual mind. It includes loving others despite apparent reasons for animosity. This ability is made possible through the indwelling of Jesus in the individual. Thus, the harsh realities of the world become the responsibility of the believer, just as Christ bore the weight of the world’s sins. As a result, the believer begins to understand those who do not understand them. Paul succinctly exhorted us to be free from such issues.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another” (Galatians 5:22-26).
The above traits describe a person who would have attained freedom, as to be above any suppressive condition. Religion may have served as a temporary refuge for those aware of not being part of this world. Christianity exposes the reality of being spiritual, as not to be part of this world. This implies bracing up for the realities of death, which commonly petrifies those of this world. A truly converted Spiritual person is receptive to death, whichever way it comes.
The traits mentioned characterize an individual who has achieved freedom, transcending any oppressive conditions. Religion, for some, may act as a transient sanctuary for those who recognize they are not of this world. Christianity reveals the truth of spirituality, affirming that one is not bound to this world. This understanding includes preparing for the inevitability of death, which often terrifies those attached to worldly life. A genuinely transformed spiritual person accepts death, regardless of its nature.
The phrase “Jesus is Lord” is embraced by those who adopt and apply all of Jesus’ teachings, despite facing significant opposition. A Child of God does not belong to this world and should not anticipate kind treatment from worldly individuals. They should be prepared for unpleasant experiences, yet willing to endure them due to the assurance provided by faith. The greater the hatred one faces, the stronger the assurance of protection in Christ becomes. This concept negates mere commitment to religion and instead permits the Spirit of God to guide, throughout.
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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