If we seek the root cause of division and sin in our world, we must look beyond surface-level categories like race or tribe. The foundational flaw is a spiritual condition: the primal choice between self-interest and altruism. This was revealed at the very dawn of human history, in the story of Cain and Abel. After committing the first murder, Cain’s defiant question to God—“Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9)—encapsulates the core problem. The issue was not in structural differences, but a denial of responsibility. The real fracture in humanity, therefore, is not one of ethnicity, but of character.
This fundamental divide suggests that people often gravitate toward one of two dispositions: the self-centered motive and the altruistic one. In societies with multiparty democracies, this dichotomy frequently crystallizes into two major political coalitions, like the Democrats and Republicans in the United States. Even Jesus spoke of a final, spiritual separation using the metaphor of sheep and goats (Matthew 25:32). The enduring truth is that our deepest divisions are moral and spiritual, not physical.
The Distraction of Race
The racial lens is a profound distraction, often fueled by confusion and manipulated for propaganda. It fosters a mistaken belief in monolithic guilt or superiority. For instance, some may simplistically blame white populations for historical ills without examining the complex behaviors and choices within all communities. Conversely, identities can become battlegrounds: some equate embracing African traditions with authenticity, while others see adopting Western customs as a sign of civility. These views aren’t based on truth, but on a quest for identity and power, aimed at boosting the self while ignoring the well-being of others.
The colonial encounter in Africa was driven by resource extraction, justified by claims of intellectual and cultural superiority. Yet this supposed superiority fails to explain why resource-rich nations often struggle with governance, or why many Africans seek opportunity abroad. Ironically, Africans themselves are not immune to criticizing their own, revealing a universal human tendency to fracture along lines of perceived advantage.
Africa’s challenges reflect the flawed human condition—the very condition that, in Christian belief, necessitated Christ’s arrival. If historical roles were reversed, the same frailties would manifest elsewhere. When one group dominates another, the conquered often adopt the culture of the conqueror, not due to inherent superiority, but to the reality of power. This became evident after Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, when the scramble to buy homes in formerly white suburbs suggested that some ambitions were fuelled more by envy than by principle.
The Paradox of Power and Culture
History shows that military victory does not guarantee cultural conquest. The Romans, though they subjugated the Greeks, embraced Hellenistic culture, philosophy, and language because they recognized its value. Greek remained the language of the educated elite, even under Roman rule. This illustrates a crucial point: true value is often found in intangible principles and ideas, which can outlast empires and influence new rulers themselves.
This principle finds its ultimate expression in the Kingdom of God. Its values are so essential that even Emperor Constantine sought to co-opt Christianity for the Roman Empire. However, in this alliance, church leaders made a fateful compromise, subordinating the church to the state and adopting the world’s model of authoritarian leadership—a precedent that shaped much of Christian history. They leaned on scriptures like Romans 13 to justify this, yet Jesus Himself modeled a different way. He respected authority but obeyed a higher calling, fulfilling His mission without seeking political power.
The Measure of Human Worth
This brings us to the central question: What determines human value? Society often prizes tangible wealth—gold, diamonds, minerals- ahead of humans. Yet a nation’s greatest asset is its people. A gifted musician or athlete can provide more value than a mine. Scripture declares that humans, made in God’s image, possess an intrinsic worth surpassing all material things.
But what of the person who seems to squander that worth—the addict or the aimless wanderer? Here lies the test. To deem such a person as worthless is to commit a graver error than their perceived failings. It is to lose the saltiness that Christ calls His followers to possess (Matthew 5:13). A critic living in comfortable judgment, yet contributing nothing of light or love, may be more spiritually impoverished than the one they condemn.
Jesus demonstrated humanity’s true worth through sacrifice, lifting others from hardship and seeing no one as beyond redemption. Yet modern Christianity, often confused and compromised, can mirror the world’s hierarchies, judging others and clinging to a false sense of superiority that fuels racism and division. This is the “lukewarm” condition rebuked in Revelation (3:15-20)—a faith rich in profession but poor in practice.
The Path Forward
Change begins by refocusing on Christ’s model: a leadership of service, not dominion (Matthew 23:11). A genuine follower is motivated not by self-interest, but by a desire to illuminate darkness and bear the burdens of others. The greatest joy comes from making a positive difference in other people’s lives, rather than focusing solely on our own. This is the light on a stand, not hidden under a basket (Matthew 5:15).
Ultimately, our world improves only when we internalize this truth: a person’s worth is measured by their contribution to the good of others. We must choose not to look down on anyone based on race, class, or creed. Altruism, not self-interest, is the engine of a thriving humanity. A nation’s wealth grows when its people focus on creating and producing rather than relying on aid from other countries. Everyone has their own unique way of creating something special. By helping others with a generous spirit, they can reach incredible heights of success.
This highlights the need for changes in education, where students are encouraged to see their worth in contributing to society instead of assuming that success is solely about personal comfort. The high rate of brain drain suggests our system values individual living standards more than the health of local communities. Many skilled people leave to work abroad, leaving their own areas without vital professional services. While helping other countries is admirable, the priority should be taking care of our own first, as the saying goes: “charity begins at home.”
These days, it seems like people are divided more by personal interests than by race, ethnicity, religion, or other traits. The real divide comes from focusing on what we want without considering what others need. Until we can break free from that mindset, bridging our biggest gaps will remain out of reach. In the end, our problems aren’t about physical differences but about failing to distinguish between pursuing self-interest and truly, selflessly caring for one another. It is a matter of being our brothers and sisters’ keepers, rather than focusing on our own interests. This is the only cause of division in humanity, as even confirmed by Jesus in Matthew 25:32-46. The remaining sections that look like divisions are actually side shores.
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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