The dichotomous nature of life is fascinating to observe. When a gazelle is caught by a hyena, the tendency is to feel sorry for the poor antelope. However, this sentiment arises without considering the plight of the hyena without such a provision. Everyone wants to survive in this world, even though they are aware of the looming graveyard that awaits each individual. Life is pronouncedly celebrated, but Paul indicated that death should be celebrated even more than life.
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labour; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again” (Philippians 1:21-26 NKJV).
Many celebrated occurrences can condition one to a miserable life. Many undesirable occurrences, though viewed as unfortunate, are most helpful in developing the individual. A spoiled child raised by wealthy parents might turn out to be the most unfortunate, as they are unable to handle their future life. The ultimate hope for humanity is in Jesus, who constantly taught about the value of suffering on behalf of others. This requires dedicating one’s life to the benefit of fellow humans. Hence, Jesus advised conditioning oneself to celebrate persecution more than praise.
The happiest individuals are those willing to confront the harsh realities of life, regardless of other people’s opinions. Such individuals are resilient and able to overcome even death. In contrast, the miserable ones are those who fear death, which arrives regardless of one’s preparedness. To be assured of life after death, knowledge is fundamentally necessary. The most challenging task is to convince those conditioned by this world that greater happiness awaits after death. The apostle James highlighted this condition when encouraging Christians in the Diaspora.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:2-8 NKJV).
Christianity is deemed effective when it cultivates individuals of unwavering resolve, capable of facing any situation without faltering. Wickedness prevails as long as the environment is populated by those yielding to wrongdoing. This is akin to silos filled with chaff, unfit for consumption, rather than corn. The most valuable trait in humanity is resisting wickedness while embracing what benefits human livelihood. The reason for straying from righteousness is believing that avoiding pain offers an advantage.
“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake, we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter’” ((Romans 8:26-36 NKJV).
Hating one’s enemies and reserving one’s love for those agreeing with oneself is the most convenient endeavour. Our country exemplifies how convenient it can be to love one’s friends and hate one’s enemies. The ruling party promotes a slogan insisting “Down with Enemies!”, derived from the conditions of the liberation struggle. The slogan is easily administered, as it separates those in agreement from those in disagreement.
When one desires comfort, adhering to such simplistic slogans may be advisable. Everyone would be regimented to hate those not in agreement with the establishment. Those in the agreement would be sufficiently rewarded, making the benefits easily accessible. Loving one’s enemies, as propagated by Jesus, can be viewed as bringing discomfort, making life unpleasant for the person inclined to enjoy good living. The only problem with such a way of life is that there would be no guarantee of protection against those considered enemies.
In reality, living in conditions where others are regarded as enemies makes life exceedingly unpleasant. One would be uncertain about what to expect each day. If those deemed enemies behave similarly, such humans would be no different from animals. This describes the concept of survival of the fittest, which is considered primitive. Conquering and being conquered was the norm in prehistoric times. There was no opportunity to consider developmental programs. Jesus introduced an indisputable standard, requiring the love of one’s enemies, a condition that regards all humans as friends.
Nevertheless, the idea of hating enemies conforms to worldly conditions. Carnivorous animals depend on other animal species for food, while herbivorous animals depend on vegetation for survival. For herbivorous animals to thrive, rich soil is essential. Vegetation relies on fertile soil, enriched by dead species, making the soil the primary beneficiary. Therefore, life inherently requires the death of species for the soil to be enriched, and for life to be sustainable. Without fertile soil to produce vegetation to feed herbivorous animals, carnivorous animals cannot survive. However, if humans were designed to survive similarly, Christ’s sacrifice for human salvation would be uncalled for.
There is no sin in the behaviour of hyenas when feeding on other animal species. The behaviour of a crocodile can be unpleasant to watch when feeding on thirsty animals. Nevertheless, that crocodile is not sinning but conforming to what nature expects of its behaviour. When this world is considered sinful, such a condition is not caused by animals, but by humans who are not of this world. Hence, their existence in this world should be considered sinful, necessitating their demise.
It is unnatural for humans to behave like animals or to seek conformity with the conditions of this world. This begins with the principle of love, primarily applicable to fellow humans. Nevertheless, this love also aims at sustaining a cyclical condition according to a divine design for the worldly species. The purpose of Jesus is to realign humanity with the divine standard, as established in His teachings. This begins with learning the principle of loving one’s enemies. While the teaching of this principle started with the disciples, it applies to all humans.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:43-48 NKJV).
In the above teaching, Jesus imparted the fundamental principle that directs towards the ideal standard of humanity. While there are many other principles, loving one’s enemies is paramount. Despite being called to be His disciples and setting a foundation for the expected standard, the apostles were found lacking in many ways. Jesus had to endure their shortcomings in numerous instances. The tendency was always to revert to worldly conditions of living. The above Scripture was among the foundational principles of His teachings. Nevertheless, Peter transgressed this very Scripture, even though he was considered closest to Jesus.
From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You! But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offence to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:21-26 NKJV).
The Scripture above reveals Peter forgetting Jesus’ teachings about loving and praying for enemies. Jesus had to sternly express His disapproval to help him understand the significance of His teachings. While many people remain aware of Jesus’ crucifixion, they seldom comprehend the standard set for being His followers. Humans, as not of this world, should not conform to the behaviour of animal species. As long as they conform to the behaviour of animal species, they would be sinning.
Sin is the transgression of the law, which fundamentally means violating the natural order according to a natural design. This includes the law of nature, so a lion would violate natural laws if it no longer survived on other animal species. Cattle violate God’s law if they no longer eat grass, according to how they were created. This applies to any other animal species. Humans were not designed to feed the soil, as characterized by burial. God assigned Adam to return to the soil after he had succumbed to sin. However, by following Jesus’ teachings, one automatically goes to Heaven.
Jesus came to set the record straight. The starting point is to love one’s enemies, so the idea of “Down with enemies” does not apply to such a person. Such an individual takes responsibility, seeking to address whatever troubles one who is considered an enemy. Education is the fundamental principle needed most, starting with appreciating one’s identity. If one were to be God’s child, that person is expected to behave like His Father. In reality, there is no difference between God and His child, just as there cannot be a difference between a sheep and a lamb, or any other species.
Although challenging to convey and ensure comprehension, the most profound principle taught by Jesus is that no human is superior to others in this life. Attaining happiness necessitates two things: 1) The ability to experience anything. 2) Causing only those experiences that others can easily endure. Such an individual can set an appealing standard to fellow humans, allowing him or her to be influential. Pain, though unpleasant to the body, should remind us that we are not of this world. Jesus taught that persecution and false accusations should not lead to unhappiness. Rather, these are the very things that should bring joy to a person in this life.
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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