Moral laws exist to guide human beings, creatures uniquely burdened with existential uncertainty. Unlike animals, which act purely on instinct, humans grapple with questions of purpose, survival, and coexistence. This struggle has led to the development of moral and religious codes, designed to bring order to human society—a challenge animals never face.
The Fall and the Need for Moral Laws
When Adam ate the forbidden fruit, his spiritual connection with God was severed, leaving him to navigate a world governed by natural laws. No longer ruling creation, he became subject to it. Earth’s inherent principles punish those who defy them; survival demands alignment with these forces. Moral laws, then, emerged as a framework to prolong life and mitigate suffering. Yet, even adherence cannot stave off death—humanity’s inescapable fate.
As Job lamented:
“Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble. He comes out like a flower and withers; he flees like a shadow and continues not.” (Job 14:1-2, ESV).
Moral living may offer temporary stability, but it cannot erase the existential void. Many, overwhelmed by this futility, succumb to despair—even suicide—unaware of their latent strength. Religion provides solace, assuring believers that God oversees what they cannot control. Yet, life’s hardships—illness, loss, injustice—persist, rendering even the most fervent faith vulnerable to doubt.
The Limits of Moral Law
The Israelites received divine laws to set them apart as God’s chosen nation. Yet, their history is marked by repeated failure. Why? Because moral laws alone cannot transform the human heart. External rules, no matter how righteous the person can be, clash with humanity’s inherited brokenness—the legacy of Adam’s fall.
Some believe Jesus came merely to reinforce Moses’ laws. But his mission was greater: to restore humanity’s true identity. When a person realises they are a child of God, moral laws become obsolete—not because righteousness is abandoned, but because it flows naturally from a renewed spirit. Jesus didn’t preach moralism; He proclaimed freedom (Luke 4:18).
Freedom vs. Legalism
True freedom is self-determination—the ability to act according to one’s conscience without external pressures. Every person is intentionally created by God, with no one being an accident. However, societal expectations often distort self-perception, leading to crime, hatred, and despair when people lose sight of their divine purpose and seek validation in the wrong places.
Jesus modelled the ideal human, fully reflecting God’s image (Genesis 1:26). Unlike Saul, who doubted his worth (1 Samuel 9:21), or the Pharisees, who judged others harshly (Matthew 7:1-5), Jesus lived with shakable purpose. He forgave unconditionally (Matthew 6:12), served humbly (Matthew 20:1-16), and faced suffering without self-pity (Luke 23:28-31). Another example is that of David, who, despite being young and inexperienced in battle, courageously faced Goliath, whom everyone else feared. The Path to an Ideal Life
Many fall short of this standard, trapped in:
Self-Doubt – Like Saul, they underestimate their God-given potential. The struggle often lies in resisting the urge to compare ourselves to others. The one thing we all share is being created in God’s image, but beyond that, each person is unique and incomparable. There’s no reason to try to copy or envy someone else’s talents.
Judgment – Criticising others while ignoring their own flaws often stems from underestimating the impact of the sin in the Garden of Eden and the purpose of Jesus’ mission. Many remain unaware, but Jesus came to guide humanity in recognising their divine identity and embracing their incredible potential for survival..
Unforgiveness – Aligning with accusation rather than grace (Revelation 12:10). Only those who recognise pride as humanity’s true problem can avoid judging or critically viewing others still engaging in sinful behaviour. Through Jesus, God forgave all of humanity, regardless of their sins. Those who cannot forgive others should consider themselves as not yet forgiven by God.
Recognition-Seeking – Seeking applause instead of serving humbly goes against the nature of an ideal person, who, upon discovering their unique identity, cannot crave recognition. For such individuals, whether their efforts are appreciated or overlooked is not a source of despair. Consider Jesus, who faced strong opposition from those He came to help. He did not aim to please humans but stayed focused on God’s will, rather than His own or that of His Jewish companions. His actions serve as an example for us as we strive to fulfil our own purposes.
Self-Pity – Focusing on hardships rather than enduring them with wisdom (Ecclesiastes 7:4) can lead to unnecessary struggles. Hardships, while unique to each individual, should be faced with dignity. James encourages embracing trials with joy instead of dwelling in self-pity (James 1:2-4). Everyone faces their own challenges that must be confronted without making comparisons. Jesus even corrected Simon Peter when he tried to compare himself after being told about the tough experiences he would endure (John 21:18-22).
The solution lies not in stricter morality but in a transformed identity. This means discovering one’s true self and living according to God’s guidance, free from the concern of others’ opinions. Each person has their own unique calling, making it unnecessary to compare experiences with those of others. As Paul proclaimed:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).
Conclusion
Moral laws serve as a temporary framework for humanity’s brokenness, not the ultimate destination. Animals live instinctively without such codes, but humans, created for greater purposes, find true fulfilment in rediscovering their divine calling. Jesus came not to condemn but to restore, replacing the weight of the law with the freedom of being children of God. Through Him, we have a perfect model to shape our behaviour as we journey through life’s various circumstances.
When we live from our true identity, righteousness stops being an obligation and naturally becomes a part of who we are, aligning with God’s purpose for our existence. The need for religion and moral laws would fade away, as they would no longer hold any influence or require consideration.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilisation, 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, relieving those who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions, leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book to be a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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