The true purpose of Christianity is to serve others at one’s own expense, following the example set by Jesus. Throughout His life, Jesus devoted Himself to the benefit of others rather than to His own gain. He taught His disciples to live similarly, encouraging each of them to carry their own cross. At the Last Supper, Jesus introduced new symbols—the bread and wine—to replace the traditional Passover. He declared that the wine would represent His blood poured out for humanity, symbolizing the New Covenant (Luke 22:20).
After this, the disciples were instructed to partake regularly in the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of Him. The significance of this remembrance lies not merely in commemoration but in its application to their own lives. The disciples were to continue Jesus’ work and to be treated as He was treated. Indeed, they faced the same harsh treatment as Jesus, who should be recognized as the pioneer of a principle of service that His disciples are expected to advocate.
Today, many who identify as Christians prioritize self-protection over protecting vulnerable people. They often presume that goodness means minding one’s own affairs without concern for one’s surroundings. However, this mindset contradicts the essence of Christianity and does not reflect the behavior of its founder.
The common advice given to Christians today is often: “Leave politics to politicians and focus on attending church services and paying tithes.” This perspective characterizes those Christians who are deemed “good” and acceptable by unscrupulous politicians. Christianity is often interpreted as a path to personal salvation, neglecting the struggles of others. Many Christians, fearing persecution, become manipulable by politicians, to whom they grant undue honor and respect instead of demonstrating the principle of good stewardship.
It is perplexing how people can claim to be Christians yet exhibit behavior contrary to the teachings of Jesus. Many seem unwilling to fully grasp the significance of Christianity, thereby failing to be the salt and light of the world as Jesus instructed (Matthew 5:13–14). Some esteemed pastors appear to have their own definitions of righteousness, which differ from that of Jesus, leaving ordinary Christians to assume that Christ expects them to love only those within their own denominations.
Today’s Christians often overlook the plight of widows living in unacceptable conditions. Hospitals are largely accessible only to the wealthy, and many feel justified in supporting bad governance while mistakenly behaving in ignoble ways. They equate Christianity with obedience to governing authorities rather than adherence to Jesus’ teachings. This perspective diverges sharply from what ultimately led to Jesus’ crucifixion, as He was sacrificed in place of a notorious rebel, Barabbas (John 18:39–40).
In times of distress, there is a need for Christians willing to stand with Jesus, even at the expense of their own personal safety. True Christianity does not focus on protecting personal dignity while ignoring the pervasive evil around us. Adhering to Christian principles often invites more enemies than friends. Commitment to truthfulness tends to repel untruthfulness in society. Sinful humanity tends to avoid confronting the government when it violates God’s laws.
“So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
“For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:31–39 NIV).
When Jesus offers safety to those who risk their lives for a just cause, He does so because He places immense value on these individuals. There is no need to prioritize one’s own safety when genuinely standing up for the truth. The true essence of Christianity is reflected in a person’s ability to advocate for what is right. Such individuals cannot be intimidated by those who seek to undermine them, even when the detractors hold influential positions that most people find intimidating. Genuine Christianity involves a willingness to defend and uphold the truth at all times.
The willingness to be seen as controversial when standing up for the truth does not resonate with modern Christians. Instead, most seem more inclined to defend their pastors rather than defend those who are mistreated. This observation highlights a group of Christians who are more comfortable receiving praise from their pastors than aligning their actions with the teachings of Jesus. Many pastors, in turn, are careful not to offend their congregations, as they rely on the financial support of those who contribute their tithes.
The term “politics” is rightly defined as the exercise of power in public life and the influence over decisions that affect a country and its society. While this can be seen as a noble pursuit, it may not appeal to those within Christianity who lack the courage to engage in such matters. In fact, the very definition of politics seems to call for strong-willed individuals who are prepared to make sacrifices for the sake of others. This should align more closely with the values of Christianity than with those of politicians.
Currently, politics is largely dominated by individuals of questionable integrity, as “good” Christians often choose to take a back seat, hiding behind the notion of “supporting the government of the day.” This idea of support is only valid when Christians actively help politicians govern justly, instead of avoiding the responsibility to point out their errors. Some so-called Christians may assert that the issues we face today will be resolved by Jesus at His second coming. However, they fail to recognize that they bear more responsibility for the current state of affairs than those who are believed to be under the influence of evil.
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house” (Matthew 5:13–15).
Jesus highlighted the challenges that Christians would face as they are called to be the light of the world, which demands a high sense of responsibility. He expected His disciples to confront falsehoods, recognizing that this might lead to persecution but would ultimately promote justice in society. Christians are meant to advocate for peace, but not at the cost of allowing injustice to persist against the marginalized. The hope of this world rests with true Christians, being used as instruments by Jesus Christ.
The idea that Jesus will resolve issues of injustice upon His second coming is akin to someone who decides to hide their talent until their master returns. Some Christians misinterpret the Scriptures that stress obedience to governing authorities. For politicians, there is no Biblical passage more convenient than Romans 13:1–5. These politicians may commit heinous acts and expect no criticism from compliant Christians.
Unfortunately, some Christian leaders even accept bribes in the form of cars and large sums of cash to rally their followers to support a corrupt governing system. If the first apostles had acted in this way, they likely would not have been martyred. Thoughtful Christians can conduct research to understand why early Christians faced execution for their refusal to submit to unjust governing authorities.
Only those with a shallow understanding of Scripture cling to the misinterpretation of passages like Romans 13:1–5. This Scripture refers to authorities established by God, which are marked by their promotion of justice and peace, not by those advocating for acts of criminality. This distinction is crucial; it does not mean Christians should applaud leaders who commit acts of violence or violate constitutional rights. In God, there is clarity, whereas in Satan, the god of this world, there is confusion.
“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:3–5 NIV).
The blindness mentioned in Scripture refers to a lack of understanding that Jesus represents order rather than confusion. What Paul is advocating is not about supporting those whose eyes have been blinded by Satan, leading them to perish in sin. Individuals who wake up in the morning claiming that the spirit instructed them to harm others are likely under demonic influence. Unfortunately, many who call themselves “Christians” cannot discern the difference between a demonic spirit and God’s Spirit.
The corruption tied to politics is so profound that well-meaning Christians are often advised to avoid political involvement altogether. However, in light of Jesus’ teachings, Christians must engage in politics. Through Christian influence, corrupt individuals cannot be allowed anywhere near political offices. Those who justify their lack of participation in politics often believe they should wait for Jesus to return and establish His Kingdom. This mentality is akin to the wicked one who buried his talent, thinking he was honoring his master (Matthew 25:24–30).
Jesus stated that with faith as small as a mustard seed, one could accomplish greater things than He did (John 14:12). Christianity was never intended to either support or hinder political activities but to bring relief to humanity by promoting justice and peace. Those dedicated to Christian principles cannot be the sole beneficiaries when in positions of authority. They are expected to diligently sacrifice their lives for the sake of fostering peace and justice in society.
“Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
‘“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
‘“Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples” (Luke 14:25–33 NIV).
Those committed to true Christianity should not envision themselves on vacation, enjoying the sunshine while the world is suffering. There is a call for responsibility, which necessitates taking action and addressing the issues at hand. Only those empowered by Jesus can undertake this task, and they are expected to roll up their sleeves and get to work. This is not a trivial matter.
In modern times, politics is often mistakenly viewed as a means for personal enrichment, with many Christians supporting this notion. This perspective is further fueled by the prosperity gospel, which considers wealth accumulation a sign of God’s blessings. As a result, modern Christian leaders are frequently as wealthy as politicians. While it is easy to blame corrupt political figures who offer bribes, we must also recognize that many contemporary Christian leaders who advocate for wealth often do so by claiming it is an indication of divine favor resulting from submitting to governing authority.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit, you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit” (Matthew 7:13–17 NIV).
Our beloved country could transform overnight into a world-class nation if Christians, in their current large numbers, take up their roles as light-bearers. This change would occur if the majority who identify as “Christians” truly practiced the teachings of Jesus. The falsehoods that have become entrenched among Christians often come with the allure of financial gain. Jesus regarded money as a significant adversary to Christianity, exposing charlatans within the faith.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:19–24 NIV).
This is a significant issue affecting the entire Christian community. Money is often prioritized over everything else, encouraged by unscrupulous pastors who value it more than Jesus. The true mission of Christianity should be to promote the teachings of Jesus and foster better living among ordinary people. Instead, we witness a focus on worldly prosperity, with many prioritizing comfortable lives on Earth rather than adhering to and promoting the principles Jesus taught. Paul addressed this concern in his epistle to Timothy:
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many grief” (1 Timothy 6:6–10 NIV).
Some people claim that politics is a dirty game, which can indeed be true; politics can be as corrupt as it gets. The same is true of the cross, which can be viewed as shameful. If a person is unwilling to bear their own cross, they cannot truly call themselves a Christian. It is important to draw a clear distinction between running for political office and genuinely working to restore order in society. This is different from acting like morally compromised politicians who desire to be called “Honorable” while operating under dishonorable conditions.
Under normal circumstances, Christians should be involved in politics to prevent corrupt individuals from taking leadership positions in government. These Christians should understand their responsibility to restore order in society. Jesus called them the light of the world for a reason: when Christians fulfill their responsibilities, the world experiences peace. It is time to put an end to the misuse of Jesus’ name.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilisation, which lays out standards for lifting Zimbabwe out of its current economic depression and 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, offering relief to 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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