Imagine a family where self-control is the foundation. The father fulfils his role as provider, protector, and teacher with diligence. The mother supports her husband and nurtures their children with wisdom. Together, they raise children who learn to analyse life’s challenges, adopt sound principles, and embrace values of love, care, and respect for life. They act in such a manner without any enforcement from others.
When these children mature, they carry these lessons into their own marriages and careers, guided by godly principles. Nothing else attracts them, except altruism, adopted as a culture, requiring no supervision. The next generation, in turn, adopting this philosophy as tradition, upholds self-control, fostering a culture of altruism.
Now, envision an entire neighbourhood—or society—where self-control is the norm. Suspicion and crime would vanish because everyone lives by the golden rule: treat others as you wish to be treated. In such a world, individuals take personal responsibility for maintaining harmony. When help is needed, it’s given freely, without expectation of reward.
Those with resources or knowledge share generously, ensuring equity. Diverse talents are pooled to meet collective needs, creating a network where no one feels superior or inferior. Privilege becomes a responsibility: the fortunate assist the less fortunate until all enjoy the same comfort.
The Broken Alternative: Self-Centeredness and Disorder
Yet, this ideal stands in stark contrast to our reality. Today, people lack self-control, necessitating external governance—laws, prisons, and enforcement. But these are mere band-aids on a deeper wound. Prisons exist because humanity fails to uphold order naturally. True order comes from within, not from punishment.
God created humans in His image—to govern themselves, not to be ruled by others. Self-control, a component of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), is often misunderstood. It’s not self-restriction but self-governance that leads to service. Those who live by the Spirit reject worldly corruption, finding discomfort in losing self-control rather than exercising it.
Sadly, even the Church has drifted from this ideal, adopting worldly systems of hierarchy and control. Although the gospel explicitly states that a Christian is not bound by the Law (Galatians 5:18), some believers insist that adherence to the Law is essential. They argue that one cannot truly be a Christian without obeying the Law.
Nevertheless, a devoted remnant remains steadfast in upholding Christ’s example of selfless service, without needing anyone to enforce that attitude. It is essential to recognise that all actions of a true Christian are not legally driven, but spiritually driven.
Self-Centeredness vs. Altruism: A Choice Between Ruin and Redemption
Two opposing forces shape our world:
- Self-Centeredness– The root of all conflict, corruption, and inequality. Moral laws have to be enforced, for such people to be brought under control, but without success. It promises gain but delivers ruin. Zimbabwe’s struggles, for example, stem not just from external exploitation but from internal greed. Wealth hoarded by a few breeds poverty and crime, leaving even the rich unfulfilled. As 1 Timothy 6:9 warns, the pursuit of riches leads to destruction.
- Altruism– The philosophy of Christ: selfless love for others. It requires no complex governance because those who practice it need no external control. Jesus, though divine, modelled perfect humanity—living not under compulsion but by nature. The impulse to do what is right is driven by love, more than enforced by legalistic contions.
Yet, altruism is dismissed as impractical, even among Christians. Individuals who act independently are often not only scorned but also vilified as they are presumed guilty of insubordination by those in positions of authority. However, this dynamic renders it impossible for anyone to accomplish anything of significance in a world where control is esteemed as a virtue.
Thankfully, the Holy Spirit enables the fulfilment of God’s work, even without the approval of authoritarian powers. Church leadership often mirrors worldly power structures, contradicting Christ’s teaching: “The greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11).
The Future of Altruism: A Coming Restoration
Although often resisted in contemporary times, altruism remains the only enduring solution. Introduced by Jesus two millennia ago, it continues to be upheld by His followers, though they are few. A time will come when Jesus returns to establish it fully. Until then, those who embrace this narrow path are blessed, as it stands in stark contrast to the prevailing self-centeredness.
Such individuals do not aim to seek approval in their endeavours, as they do not operate under supervision (Matthew 6:1-4). They are not motivated by external rewards but find fulfilment in carrying out what they perceive as duties. Their noble activities are not performed to gain human admiration; rather, as instruments of the Holy Spirit, they are spiritually guided.
The principle of altruism cannot exist without cultivating the discipline of self-control, which empowers individuals to perform noble deeds without external supervision. It is motivated by love rather than a desire to appease external forces. For those who perceive it, no truth holds greater significance: Self-control leads to altruism, and altruism is the answer to all of humanity’s problems.
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.
The Print copy is now available at Amazon.com for $13.99
Also available as an e-copy at Lulu.com for $6.99