Truth simply is. It requires no additions or subtractions. Its value cannot be inflated, nor can it be diminished, and no individual can claim to possess more of it than another. Attempting to dress something up does not make it truer. What we perceive in the material world may be a product of truth, but it is not truth itself. All material things—people included—are temporary.
In the physical realm, humans frequently confuse appearances for reality, thereby missing what truly matters. The only constant is truth; it remains unchanged. What is widely accepted as truth today may later be revealed as false, discarded as something that was never true to begin with. Unfortunately, some—particularly within Christianity—cling to inherited beliefs without verification, mistaking blind acceptance for genuine faith.
Though abstract, truth is the only authentically permanent condition. Life’s primary drive is to survive eternally, yet many doubt this possibility after losing loved ones. Faith, however, should rest on certainty derived from the ultimate source, not on hearsay. Real faith emerges after verification, leading to an understanding grounded firmly in truth.
“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now, we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” — 1 Corinthians 13:11-12 (NIV)
To obtain certainty in matters of truth, one requires a willingness to learn more than a commitment to dogmatism regarding old beliefs. A readiness to continually examine new information against what is currently held is paramount. Without this willingness, one remains susceptible to deception. The Apostle Paul further observed:
“None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those who love him—these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” — 1 Corinthians 2:8-10 (NIV)
Truth resides in the spiritual realm, where the spirit serves as the ultimate guide in discerning what is real. The Spirit comprehends everything, even the deepest truths of God; therefore, focusing solely on the physical leaves out the greater picture.
Many worldly leaders fail to grasp spiritual truths precisely because they are rooted exclusively in the physical. The fundamental difference between spiritual and physical people lies in their openness—or lack thereof—to exploring all possibilities. In the fifteenth century, when confronted with scientific evidence, Christianity—particularly Catholicism—became defensive. In doing so, it strayed from Paul’s counsel to value the examination of all things, including spiritual matters.
“Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (NKJV)
The Church dismissed brilliant minds like Nicolaus Copernicus, who demonstrated that planets orbit the Sun, that the Earth spins daily on its axis, and that slow axial shifts cause the precession of the equinoxes. Galileo later confirmed these findings, earning titles such as “father of modern science” and “father of observational astronomy.” He invented tools like the thermometer and military compasses and used the telescope for celestial discoveries that remain foundational today.
Truth calls for objective analysis, not the blind dismissal of information based on a dislike for its source. The Doctrine of True Datum does not dwell on what is later proven false. This should be the guiding principle of Christianity, as established by Jesus Himself.
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” — John 8:31-32 (NIV)
Old ideas about structure are discarded for one reason only: they did not work. All genuine facts are functional and scientific, backed by verifiable evidence. James Clerk Maxwell’s mathematics were proposed, and electricity was widely utilized, long before anyone fully understood the structure of the atom.
Even so, the spirit must be regarded as higher than physical phenomena; scientists should be seen as secondary to spiritually discerning humans. Christians ought to have been the first to appreciate the work of Copernicus and Galileo, following Paul’s advice to test all things and hold fast to what is good. These scientists should have been welcomed as true friends of the Christian community.
When Christians sought to suppress Galileo’s work, they acted against the teachings of Jesus. The only people Jesus openly criticized were the Pharisees, the religious authorities of His time. They possessed the Scriptures containing God’s truths, yet refused to truly explore their meaning. Such reluctance stems from two harmful tendencies.
First, without God’s Spirit, people are trapped by a fear of the unknown—a fear driven more by cowardice than reason. In my interactions with everyday believers, I observe this same timidity; many may agree privately with new insights but will not act on them. While common sense may seem to dictate caution, it does not compel those enslaved by idolatry.
Many so-called Christians follow church leaders over Jesus’ own words, unwilling to embrace new ideas without denominational approval. Paul faced this exact issue with pseudo-Christians in his day (1 Corinthians 1:10-17). Relying on human leaders provides a false sense of security, a habit perhaps tracing back to humanity’s earliest days—even to Nimrod, the mighty hunter (Genesis 10:8-12), who likely offered protection from wild animals.
This has evolved into a culture where people choose to unite under human leadership rather than trust in God’s protection and exercise sound judgment. The Israelites, known as God’s people, fell into this same trap (1 Samuel 8:4-7). They were drawn to the idea of a visible leader they could admire, a clear sign of idolization, since those lacking courage rarely find self-determination appealing. Many find comfort in human leaders rather than reliance on God, and this is starkly evident in Zimbabwean politics.
The nation’s challenges are deferred to politicians. After enduring the poor leadership of ED Mnangagwa, many now pin their hopes on Nelson Chamisa. If he is not careful, Chamisa could allow this admiration to inflate his ego, seeing himself as more than he is. Jesus demonstrated a different way—a path where no one lords authority over another, but where we help carry each other’s burdens. True Christians answer to God alone.
“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” — Matthew 23:8-12 (NIV)
The Apostle John made it clear: you cannot truly call yourself a Christian if you do not live by this principle. Placing ultimate faith in another person rather than in Jesus is unchristian. Many of Christianity’s internal struggles arise from clinging to “trusted” leaders for security—a dynamic driven by fear and a reluctance to stand up for the truth.
“This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the Day of Judgment: In this world, we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” — 1 John 4:17-18 (NIV)
Second, another reason Christians might overlook God’s truth is pride, which can be even more destructive than fear. Those without God’s Spirit sometimes allow ego to dominate, unwilling to acknowledge good things that come from perceived outsiders. They may believe they alone safeguard the truth and, like the Pharisees, feel offended when it emerges from unexpected places.
Without the “right” credentials, newcomers often struggle to be taken seriously, regardless of the sincerity of their message. Although they could find no fault in Jesus’ teachings, the religious leaders had difficulty honoring Him. It is not always about results but about credentials, which are assumed to authenticate a person’s appearance to the world. Without formal academic standing, no matter how truthful His words were, rejection seemed inevitable. They turned away, unable to challenge His superior knowledge.
“Not until halfway through the festival did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. The Jews there were amazed and asked, ‘How did this man get such learning without having been taught?’” — John 7:14-15 (NIV)
Had Jesus been a scholar like Gamaliel, they might have easily capitulated. But that would have violated the principle of truth, which requires no external validation. Their problem lay in the prospect of having to confer recognition on a man as despised as Jesus, thereby elevating Him above themselves. That would have also eliminated any justification for crucifying Him.
The simplicity of Jesus, particularly His unadorned educational background, disturbed them. Instead of appreciating the divine message, they fixated on His questionable credentials. That behavior confirmed their status as an adulterous generation. It was never God’s design for anyone’s acceptance to hinge on human credentials.
“Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, ‘Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.’ He answered, ‘A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.’” — Matthew 12:38-40 (NIV)
The Jews were often regarded as keepers of God’s principles, with Scripture granting them a special place as His children. Yet at times they adopted Gentile ways, prompting Jesus to label them a wicked and adulterous generation. Unfortunately, Christianity has faced a similar issue. Placing excessive emphasis on worship of Jesus can be misguided, creating the false notion that such acts secure His favor, when they may actually stem from self-interest rather than genuine love for God.
It is akin to those who flatter dictators—not out of respect, but for personal gain—only to abandon them when it suits their needs, as witnessed when Robert Mugabe was ousted. This hypocrisy mirrors what Jesus condemned. Pride compels people to put themselves first; those who support dictators are known to focus on glorifying the leader while flaunting their own loyalty.
The real reason many reject the truth is that truth is not shaped by personal interests. It favors no one; it remains constant at all times. The notion of praising one group while dismissing another is not from God. All humans are created in God’s image. There is no greater folly than finding comfort in praise while assuming others were born inferior. To do so is another way to show contempt for God, who created them in His image.
“We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” — 1 John 4:19-21 (NIV)
The Apostle John was calling out the same hypocrisy Jesus rebuked among the Pharisees. You cannot claim to love God while despising those made in His image. The heart of this truth is embodied in the fact that Jesus’ death on the cross was for everyone, without discrimination. Feeling lost or confused by any group is a clear sign of being out of alignment with God. Anyone who practices discrimination is out of step with God’s love, as revealed in John 3:16-17. Such Christians cannot truly live out what Paul advised:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” — Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Life in this world is truly fascinating when observed from a truthful vantage point. Not everyone turns away from what some consider sin in anticipation of God’s Kingdom. Jesus often spoke in parables to illustrate that some are satisfied with this temporal world, unlike the eternal nature of God’s Kingdom. For those who resist change, God’s unchanging nature can feel unsettling, much like the ever-shifting world of plants and animals, which seems whole in its constant state of change.
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