Human suffering, criminality, and societal dysfunction often stem from misinformation rather than deliberate malice. Misjudging others for their actions is itself a consequence of misunderstanding the root causes of their behaviour. This insight sheds light on the mystery of Jesus’ sacrifice—He chose redemption over condemnation, emphasizing the transformative power of truth over punishment. Sin and falsehood create a world of chaos, where misinformation spreads easily, leading to destruction.
As the Scripture says:
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4:6 NKJV).
Jesus provided a clear path from confusion to freedom, warning against the dangers of following falsehoods. To those who believed in Him, He said:
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32 NKJV).
This principle is akin to following a user manual for a product. Just as a prudent user adheres to instructions to avoid malfunction, humanity must heed divine guidance to avoid self-destruction. Yet, many ignore these basic principles, learning instead through painful experiences. This article explores strategies for escaping confusion and aligning with truth.
The Allure of Misinformation
In today’s world, information is often judged by its packaging—eloquent speech, impressive credentials, or physical appearance. Advertisements, for instance, rely on captivating visuals and emotional appeals to sell products. However, truth is not always found in what is outwardly attractive or emotionally overwhelming. A biblical example portraying God’s communication with the Prophet Elijah illustrates this:
“The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came, a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:11-12 NKJV).
This “gentle whisper” represents the inner voice of conscience, a divine guide within every individual. Despite the noise of external influences, a person might receive, this quiet voice affirms or challenges our choices. Ignoring it often leads to poor decisions and societal dysfunction. This reveals the cause of all problems bedevilling humanity.
The Role of Conscience in Society
Zimbabwe’s economic and political challenges are often blamed on leaders, but the root cause lies deeper. Many citizens, swayed by charismatic politicians, ignore their inner voice. This form of idolatry—elevating human leaders above divine truth—leads to collective suffering. Similarly, modern Christians often absolve themselves of responsibility, citing the world’s inherent sinfulness. Yet, Jesus’ promise—“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”— as shown in John 8:32, remains unfulfilled for those who prioritize charismatic voices over their conscience.
This issue extends beyond Zimbabwe. In the United States, for example, many self-proclaimed Christians support leaders like Donald Trump, despite evidence of his divisive and harmful policies. Their allegiance often stems from a superficial understanding of Christianity, conflating it with political ideology, influenced by morality, rather than the teachings of Jesus.
Christianity: A Call to Love, Not Condemn
Christianity is not about condemning sinners but about embodying Jesus’ love and truth. Jesus welcomed sinners like Zacchaeus, helping them discover their worth and turn from sin (Luke 19:1-10). He reserved His harshest criticism for the self-righteous Pharisees, who judged others while ignoring their own flaws.
Modern Christianity often strays from Jesus’ model, persuaded by self-righteousness. Many focus on condemning behaviours like abortion or homosexuality, mistaking morality for the essence of Jesus’ message. While Jesus never demanded moral perfection; He offered grace and transformation to those engrossed in sin. True Christianity liberates individuals from confusion by guiding them to listen to their inner voice and embrace truth, found in every human.
The Danger of Charismatic Deception
Charismatic leaders, whether in politics or religion, often exploit their followers’ desire for certainty and belonging. In Zimbabwe, the Chitepo School of ideological indoctrination exemplifies this phenomenon. Similarly, in the U.S., Trump’s supporters appear loyal to him as a personality figure, despite his divisive actions. This loyalty reflects a failure to heed the inner voice, prioritizing charisma over truth.
The challenge lies in engaging those indoctrinated by charismatic figures, whom they idolize. Rational discourse often fails to reach their inner feelings, because such people’s perceived truths are deeply entrenched, but not confronted. Breaking this cycle requires a return to the gentle whisper of conscience, which transcends external influences. Otherwise, the person remains deluded.
The Path to Freedom
Freedom begins with embracing Jesus’ teachings, which serve as the foundation of truth. However, even without explicit knowledge of Scripture, individuals can access truth through their conscience, as demonstrated by the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). This innate goodness reflects God’s image in humanity, affirming His decision to sacrifice His Son for our redemption. Jesus’ actions are not associated with making Himself great.
Christians are called to embody this truth by sacrificing their interests for others, rather than avoiding or condemning them. Pretending to represent Jesus while acting contrary to His teachings is the ultimate betrayal of faith and should be regarded as worse than other sins.
Conclusion: Truth as the Foundation of Life
In a world of confusion, truth is often overshadowed by attractive but deceptive narratives. Wealth, power, and popularity can distract from the gentle whisper of conscience. Yet, as Jesus taught, the true treasure lies in aligning with divine truth as outlined in (Matthew 6:19-24). By listening to our inner voice and embracing Jesus’ teachings, we can escape confusion and contribute to a more just and compassionate world.
The United States, as a global leader, exemplifies the consequences of ignoring this principle. Its actions reverberate worldwide, making it imperative for its citizens to model truth and integrity. Ultimately, the principle of deducing the truth is not just a personal endeavour but a collective responsibility to create a livable world for all. Each person ought to listen to his or her inner conscience when reaching out to others.
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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