Ecological and relational: humanity is not separate from nature but is an integral part of it—a powerful, vulnerable, and responsible member of the biosphere. Our identity is also bound to how we treat other humans, animals, and the planet. If there is a core to our existence, it may be this: humans are beings who question their own identity. We are not merely a fact; we are a question that no other species asks. The answer to this question is not simply discovered; it is enacted through how we live, govern, create, and care for one another. Many people die without ever knowing the purpose of their existence.
Thus, the identity of humanity is both a biological reality and a moral aspiration unique to our species: Homo sapiens, on the one hand, and “humaneness,” on the other. We are what we make of ourselves, and this reality is always in a state of becoming. Education addresses this reality but can widen the mystery if those privileged to access it fail to confront ignorance in their surroundings. Ironically, Jesus offers answers that not many are willing to confront.
“Who am I, and what is the purpose of my existence in this world?” should be the question pursued by every individual. Unlike us, Jesus did not have to ask Himself this question, for He came fully aware of His purpose on Earth. In a world filled with information, significant insights can be discovered by those willing to explore the meaning of life. However, there is no information more profound than the journey of discovering oneself, which empowers one to take control rather than be controlled. Jesus linked the discovery of oneself to the possession of faith.
“O unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment (Matthew 17:17–18 NIV).
Jesus’ lament suggests that the disciples’ failure to heal the child was due to their inability to recognize their own inherent power. By calling them a “perverse generation,” He indicates that their remarkable intellectual abilities had been diminished by their failure to understand their divine origin. Jesus came to enlighten humanity, which was unaware of the confusion surrounding it. The disciples asked why they had been unable to accomplish what seemed simple to Jesus, whose answer was simple:
“… ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20 NIV).
The words of Jesus can never be doubted by those who truly believe in Him. Failing to connect with Jesus’ abilities does not invalidate His statement that humans are inherently empowered to tackle any problem. Whether one believes it or not, every individual possesses unlimited potential. The inability to achieve one’s goals often stems from issues related to identity. Understanding is a byproduct of faith, which is derived from humanity’s relationship with the Creator. Conversely, faith can also stem from deep understanding.
The greatest enemy of humanity is the pretense of knowledge about what one does not truly understand. This issue extends to our educational system, where one may receive a doctorate for quoting others but may lack a genuine grasp of the subject matter. It is impossible to have faith in something that is not fully comprehended. We must explore the significance of being created in God’s image. What does that mean? It is impossible for anyone in physical form to fully conceive of what it means to be in God’s image.
Except for Jesus, who came directly from Heaven, no human can claim to have seen God. If we are created in God’s image, what other image should we seek than that of ourselves? Humans are physical beings, while God, in whose image we were created, is not bound by physicality. This complexity can lead to misunderstanding.
To nurture a sense of God-consciousness, one must delve deeply into one’s spirituality. God is the creator of all things; thus, nothing is impossible for a person created in His image. What God is capable of, a person made in His likeness should also be able to achieve. This is a matter of common sense: if nothing is impossible for God, then nothing should be impossible for those created in God’s image.
According to Jesus, the inability to achieve what God is capable of stems from being part of a perverse generation. This indicates a condition of living in bondage, which fosters a lack of faith. There can be many reasons for failing to reach the necessary level of faith that aligns with God’s capabilities. Since humans are created in God’s image, they should not struggle to attain divine attributes. Failure arises from doubting one’s own abilities.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for” (Hebrews 11:1–2 NIV).
One cannot have confidence in things about which one feels uncertain, nor can one be assured of what is not guaranteed. However, we go to bed convinced that the sun will rise in the East the next morning. This assurance may not be observable, but it is a projection of faith. One might pass away without having seen the sunrise, yet nothing is expected to prevent the sun from rising from the East. Jesus rebuked His disciples for being part of a perverse generation, which refers to a corrupt and wayward society.
The personality of Jesus represented what was original, in contrast to what had been corrupted. Because Jesus was incorruptible, He was able to accomplish easily what His disciples struggled to achieve. He set the standard for human originality. There is no need to look elsewhere if one desires to understand one’s original identity. The next question is how to attain that standard of originality as exemplified by Jesus.
There is a Shona chorus often sung in Christian denominations: “Hakuna wakaita sa Jesu. Ndatenderera kwese kwese, hakuna akaita saye.” (“There is no one like Jesus. I went everywhere, but I could find no one like Him.”) This chorus expresses an undeniable truth: no informant can surpass Jesus, even though He never sought veneration from anyone in this world. What is created in God’s image can only be found in Jesus. Therefore, for anyone who wishes to embody the condition of God’s image, the only place to look is at Jesus, offering a landmark discovery of the secret of one’s identity.
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah (Matthew 16:13–20 NIV).
This text lays the foundation for understanding humanity’s true nature. If Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, then humanity can be seen as God’s children. If that is the case, why does humanity struggle with failures and despair? Certainly, a person who doubts their identity as a child of God will find it challenging to achieve anything. This is where faith comes into play.
It is common for many to assert that nothing is impossible with God. However, this also applies to humanity. Yet many individuals doubt that anything is possible for them. The root of this doubt stems from a disbelief in being created in God’s image, which includes possessing divine attributes. People can read Scripture affirming this reality but still remain perplexed.
The physical condition leads many to believe that survival is impossible without the physical body. Consequently, they assume that the limitations of the physical body also affect their spiritual state. However, once a person attains spiritual understanding, the need for faith diminishes. Faith is no longer merely a promise of what has not yet been realized; that individual gains an undeniable knowledge of the truth.
They become confident in what they fully understand to be true. The first question regarding a person’s identity is answered through Jesus. If Jesus is the Son of God, the same can be said of each person’s identity, eliminating the need to search for misleading information. Relying on secondhand information makes it difficult to be certain of one’s understanding. To test this, one might approach theology professors about a particular Scripture passage and find them often evasive.
Many of these theologians are honest enough to leave questions hanging in uncertainty. They may demonstrate the complexities of understanding God’s mysteries but can also help clarify some doctrinal errors, leaving the questioner feeling somewhat wiser yet still unsure. This differs from those who gain their understanding directly from the source.
Understanding is not difficult when examining a subject from its true origin. The moment someone refers to quotations from renowned professors regarding assumed correct doctrine, wise individuals tend to avoid such sources. True understanding in Christianity comes from Jesus Christ. Everything else should be regarded as potentially misleading.
Often, people consult theologians due to their inability to grasp Jesus’ teachings. For example, why does Jesus claim that lack of faith signifies a perverse generation? Assuming knowledge of what one does not actually know is one of the most dangerous misconceptions in Christianity. It should always be addressed whether a person truly knows something or does not know it at all. However, pride can lead an individual to cling to unverified information, fearing the label of being uneducated.
Misunderstandings often occur when Scripture is not read in context. Another common issue is relying on the interpretations of others without clarifying misunderstood words. Perhaps the biggest mistake is overlooking the concept of being created in God’s image. By fully exploring this idea, understanding the entire Bible becomes much easier. There would be no need to cling to complex theories like the Trinity, as one’s identity in relation to God would clarify all misunderstandings.
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it” (John 14:12–14 NIV).
Shall we pose a candid question? Do those reading the above passage truly understand what it conveys? It may be challenging to grasp the thoughts of some readers, particularly when they seem unwilling to confront the truth that is presented. Do they genuinely appreciate God-consciousness, or are they merely pretending to understand? How can an ordinary person achieve greater things than what Jesus accomplished?
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them” (John 14:15–21 NIV).
For instance, how can one separate the individual who loves Jesus from the Godhead prescribed in the Trinity? A wise person cannot ignore the Scriptures and still claim to be in alignment with Christianity. This is where some may turn to supposedly knowledgeable charlatans for guidance. However, true understanding of Christianity can only be found in Jesus Christ. While others may assist in comprehension, everything must align with God’s word.
Rather than relying on others, a person would be better off praying and asking God for revelation regarding the significance of the Scripture in question. It is important to note that whoever helps someone understand a particular Scripture does not hold ultimate authority. God can use anyone to convey information without granting that person authority. The intended recipient of the message will understand it clearly, while others may not.
Spiritual communication can occur through anyone, whether in writing or in person. However, the content of that communication is independent of the informant. Those to whom God is communicating personally will grasp the message without difficulty, whereas those who are not the intended recipients may perceive a stumbling block in the informant. Such individuals might ridicule the information, finding it nonsensical, even without a scriptural reference. Ultimately, how one chooses to respond after receiving the gospel is between them and God, leading to personal freedom.
The question regarding one’s purpose in life is ultimately answered upon receiving the Holy Spirit. At that point, a person has reached a divine connection with the Father. This process is beautifully illustrated in the parable of the Prodigal Son. The spiritual confusion within humanity mirrors the Prodigal Son’s struggles before his transformation; it is nearly impossible to help someone like that to understand anything. See [The Radical Fatherhood of God: Unpacking the Prodigal Son Parable].
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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