Kindly withhold judgment until the conclusion. This moment could mark a pivotal change, transforming you into an advocate for positive progress within your community. Two contrasting philosophical inquiries shape the course towards either demise or survival: “What is there for me?” and “What is there for others?”
The phrase “What is there for me?” might appear admirable, viewed as if hough promoting patriotism when associated with a nation. In the presence of such individuals, a region or country is owned and defended vigorously. However, this can be dangerous as it can also be used by criminals to avoid prosecution. Honest people rarely seek to defend themselves.
An honest character is more concerned with the question“What is there for other people?” If we reduce this to an entrepreneurial enterprise, those with this question comprise the efficiently managed companies. The poorly managed and organised entertain the question, “What is there for us?” This is the kind of reasoning that promotes corruption and poor service in organizations.
When individuals prioritize their interests over the welfare of others, they unintentionally reinforce the societal dichotomy between the rich and the poor. The poor are frequently regarded as unproductive, burdened by the stigma of laziness, while the rich are perceived as shrewd and hardworking, earning admiration from those considered idle.
Vices such as envy, greed, and bitterness, which perpetuate endless wars, are often the result of individual shortcomings. The inability to adequately provide for citizens during crises, such as famine, can be traced to this inward-looking syndrome. Well-governed states prioritize the use of resources for the benefit of their people. Dishonesty is frequently associated with an inward-focused perspective, often misinterpreted as patriotism. As a result, such nations may fail to extend assistance to those affected by disasters.
We seek solutions that address the human challenges currently recognized. The question “What is there for me?” tends to elicit responses rooted in self-centeredness. While it is important to acknowledge that absolute rightness or wrongness does not exist, greater self-focus often correlates with a proportional increase in problems within any given situation.
An individual motivated by the question, “What is there for me?” Such people often receive the opposite of what they desire. The epitome of the outward-looking philosophy is Jesus, who proclaimed, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28 NIV). This attitude exemplifies altruism, a principle that true followers of Jesus embrace without hesitation. Service remains the cornerstone of this belief.
One sacrifices sleep, energy, and other resources to serve others, focusing not on the question, “What is there for me?” but rather on, “What is there for others?” When carefully examining the practicality of this behavior, it appears to address all human challenges. Ideally, each individual would live for the benefit of others, with minimal concern for their own survival. This portrays a utopian model unmatched by anything known to have existed on Earth. Jesus exemplified the feasibility of such behavior.
His name is revered by many today for His unwavering commitment to serving others without seeking personal recognition. While some attribute Jesus’ actions to His supernatural nature, such behavior is attainable for anyone who chooses to follow Him. Jesus remains the ultimate model of selfless service, yielding undeniably positive results in fulfilling personal aspirations. The question arises as to how one can profess to follow Christ while engaging in actions that are diametrically opposed to His teachings.
The number of individuals considered less privileged in society diminishes when efforts are focused on addressing the problems of others. Each person takes responsibility as a guardian for another. When embraced, this culture transforms the world profoundly, spreading joy and bringing smiles to countless faces.
In the Shona language, we have the saying: “Nhamo ye umwe hairamwirwe sadza.” Translated, this means, “another person’s problem is no reason for fasting.” This phrase must have been adopted from a culture that assumes that problems get avoided when turning a blind eye to other people’s problems.
Evil prevails only when good individuals choose to remain passive in the face of such issues. Envision the so-called “good people” standing by indifferently as a depraved individual assaults a defenseless young woman. Such people take comfort in the cliché, “mind your own business.” Yet permitting the culture of such inhumane behavior to flourish within that environment?
When malevolence reaches its peak, charismatic religious leaders frequently find solace in highlighting the widespread wickedness of the world to their congregations. The passive followers rationalize their dependence on the refuge of their sacred faith. They are encouraged to pray with heightened intensity but often fail to take proactive steps toward fostering positive change in such situations. In essence, they adopt the role of victims in an evil world.
Christians bear the responsibility to be a light in the world (Matt 5:13-14). In just three and a half years, Jesus established a legacy that all peace-loving individuals should embrace to make a positive impact in this tumultuous world. Life gains true meaning when one’s efforts bring benefit to others. It is a question of “what is there for other people?” Rather than, “what is there for me?” if one is to make a positive difference.
Albert Einstein is often credited with defining insanity as repeating the same actions while expecting different outcomes. This notion aptly describes those who aspire to goodness yet consistently engage in behaviors that lead to the contrary.
The new civilization demands a new pattern in handling issues in our world. The mindset should be: “What can I do to serve other people better?” Not, “What can I do to receive more benefits?” These two questions are as different as light is to darkness.
Andrew Masuku, the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, which lays down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into becoming a model to other countries 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 who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions that have led to the current economic and social instability. In a simple conversational tone, most Zimbabwean readers will find the book to be a long-awaited providential oasis of hope.