God’s truth is absolute and unchanging, serving as the foundation for all moral and spiritual realities. In the Scriptures, God is depicted as the ultimate source of truth, embodying faithfulness and reliability. For example, Numbers 23:19 states, “God is not a man, that He should lie,” emphasizing His unwavering truthfulness. Additionally, Psalm 119:160 declares, “The entirety of Your word is truth,” affirming the reliability of God’s Word. Jesus Christ, as the embodiment of truth, states, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6), highlighting His role in revealing God’s truth to humanity.
God’s truth is, however, not “unmistakable” in the sense that every honest person automatically perceives it; rather, only through God’s revelation can one truly grasp ultimate truth. Nevertheless, God’s truth is “unmistakable enough” to be genuinely knowable, morally binding, and sufficient—while still requiring humility, interpretation, and faith. Outside a Christian framework, this claim may be contested, similar to how some individuals argue over trivial matters like which came first, the egg or the chicken. The things that people agree on are not necessarily a condition of truth.
People often feel secure as long as their identity is based on human agreement at their level of understanding. Disclosing one’s origins can clarify questions of identity according to geographical locations and cultural contexts. This understanding allows individuals to make more accurate predictions about the behavior and expectations of the person in question.
Let’s discuss the concept of the stable datum. What is true for an individual provides a sense of stability and security, even if only temporarily. Before the arrival of Europeans, many Africans believed in ancestral spirits that provided reassurance, regardless of the validity of those beliefs. Even a crafted idol can create a sense of stability for an individual.
In Zimbabwe, some people still believe that without the spirit of Mbuya Nehanda, independence would not have been possible. Opposing this viewpoint can be dangerous; one could even be killed for such dissent, as it is regarded as a sacred belief. While there may not be scientific evidence to support this, it is considered true by those who hold the belief.
“A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in no little business for craftsmen. He called them together, along with the workmen in related trades, and said: ‘Men, you know we receive a good income from this business. And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all.
“There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshipped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.’ When they hear this, they were furious and began shouting: ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’” (Acts 19:24-28 NIV).
Demetrius may not have believed in the goddess Artemis, but he was a shrewd businessman who exploited the common beliefs of the local people. When individuals are lost in the darkness of ignorance, they become vulnerable to manipulation. The belief in the goddess Artemis served as a stable point of reference for the people of Ephesus. Had God not intervened, Paul could have been killed for challenging the validity of the goddess Artemis. God used the city clerk, whose interpretation of the law helped exonerate Paul from being viewed as directly undermining the goddess Artemis.
The doctrine of the stable datum hinders the preaching of the gospel, yet it offers a sense of security to those who agree with it. Interestingly, even those who claim to love Jesus can become confused by this doctrine, allowing a distorted image or statue of Jesus to be manipulated, potentially leading to real conflict. It only takes a free person to break through that confusion. This doctrine impacts everyone, except those who have become children of God. Sharing the truth can often feel futile without divine intervention.
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 Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, 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 warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ (Matthew 16:13-20 NIV).
Why did Jesus warn His disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ? Jesus understood the concept of the “stable datum.” It’s important to remember that the Jews ultimately condemned Him for explicitly claiming to be the Son of God (Luke 22:70-71). Because of this awareness, Jesus chose not to reveal this truth at the wrong time.
The question of how the Son of Man could also be the Son of the Living God is convenient in avoiding challenging the doctrine of the stable datum. Anyone claiming to be a child of God was viewed as blasphemous under this doctrine, and therefore, deserving of death. Those who abused Jesus were trapped by the doctrine of the stable datum.
In real life, many considerations are upheld by the doctrine of stable datum, which is intertwined with various traditions and racial or tribal factors. However, for Christians, it is essential to pay attention to two key statements made by Jesus relating to the above passage: “for this was not revealed to you by man, but my Father in heaven,” and “Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.” If flesh and blood cannot reveal deeper truths, it is futile for anyone to enforce comprehension of God’s truth on another person.
A privileged individual may understand people based on their varying levels of insight, while those same individuals may struggle to grasp the privileged person’s perspective. If someone’s understanding is at the level of Mbuya Nehanda, that level should not be dismissed, for the sake of that person’s stability. However, if they are also interested in seeking alternative understandings, it may be possible to guide them toward recognizing hidden truths.
Jesus taught in parables to preserve the integrity of the doctrine of stable data, which Satan, the author of confusion, could otherwise manipulate. God’s privileged knowledge cannot be shared with those who lack interest. Therefore, Jesus cautioned his disciples not to disclose that he was the Christ. A person’s stable datum may not necessarily reflect the truth, but it provides comfort and temporary safety for those who perceive it as such at that moment. It is important to appreciate their viewpoint without necessarily agreeing with them.
The word of God is described as sharper than a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Understanding people within their own reality is the only pathway to peace; confronting them with God’s truth can sometimes harm their well-being. A truly peaceable person seeks to understand others more than to be understood themselves. Christ’s privileged understanding is often inaccessible to ordinary individuals. Yet, those who earnestly seek to understand everything may ultimately discover God’s truth.
Truthful individuals tend to connect, confident in their honesty and unafraid of confrontation. In contrast, pretenders often shy away from honesty and avoid associating with genuinely truthful people. Jesus primarily identified Himself to ordinary people as the Son of Man rather than the Son of God. While they interacted with Him as the Son of Man, He understood them, but they did not fully comprehend Him.
Gaining understanding required divine intervention, which is why we see figures like Nicodemus visiting Him privately, eager to grasp His message. Although Nicodemus initially struggled to comprehend Jesus during their encounter, we aren’t told how far he pursued understanding beyond that moment. An honest seeker of truth would not abandon the quest for understanding. It is crucial to strive to understand others, regardless of whether they agree with you or not.
Conversely, it is not necessary for everyone to understand you; they have the right to their perspective, even if it leads to verbal criticism of your beliefs. There is no need to feel angry or defensive in response. Jesus faced various forms of criticism and hostility from the religious authorities in Jerusalem. He understood their positions, even though they failed to understand Him. Those who genuinely seek to understand others cannot be wrong.
A truthful person values critics more than those who agree with them. This willingness to understand critics raises one’s level of awareness. Only those unwilling to seek understanding remain trapped in their narrow, dogmatic viewpoints. For peaceful coexistence among Christians, Paul proposed a method that encourages respecting differing viewpoints in order to coexist and avoid invalidating one another.
“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, it is unclean for that person. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval” (Romans 14:13-18 NIV).
Paul’s suggestion is based on the principle of treating others as one would like to be treated, possibly reflecting an awareness of the doctrine of stable data. When one invalidates others’ beliefs or data, it implies a sense of superiority. Therefore, the only effective principle is to allow others to be themselves without dismissing their stable data. If they voluntarily seek to understand—like Nicodemus—it is crucial not to withhold information from them.
I may wish to be with my wife in God’s Kingdom. However, there is little I can do to influence that reality, which is why I pray, “God’s will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” My wife may completely oppose my understanding of God’s truth. My duty is to comprehend her stable data fully. If she were Muslim, I would cooperate with the expectations of the Muslim faith, provided that it does not conflict with the principle of treating others as one wishes to be treated.
I might even choose not to pray in her presence if it could be considered offensive. This reflects the principle of treating others as one would like to be treated. God’s truth cannot be imposed on others; it is a gift from God that requires not supervising others. Often, people mistakenly believe they understand something when they do not. This behavior stands in stark contrast to that of those who consistently strive to comprehend others.
Listening is a valuable skill, and great listeners know to avoid advising unless asked. People who are dogmatic often jump to conclusions without fully understanding the situation. Taking the time to truly listen is the best way to understand, and it can also foster a deeper connection with God.
“Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honour. To answer before listening—that is folly and shame. The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?” (Proverbs 18:12-14 NIV).
Any information, regardless of its source, requires a thorough understanding. Accessing knowledge is not as difficult as many people assume; it is simply a matter of being willing to listen to others without prejudging them. Many people often dismiss Jehovah’s Witnesses. Interestingly, in my recent interactions with them, it seems they are now avoiding me rather than the other way around, even though I have not openly expressed my views.
This refers to those who appear to be fixated on specific Scriptures that they choose to ignore while claiming to follow God’s word. Their reluctance to engage in discussion often arises from their struggles to logically interpret passages that they misunderstand. In my conversations with them, I make an effort to fully comprehend the points being discussed. I have had similar experiences with some Seventh-day Adventist believers I used to associate with, despite my previous commitment to that faith.
Very few are willing to sit down for a Bible study with me, including some who are Professors of Theology within that church. I suspect that Paul faced similar cold treatment from members of the Jewish faith after his conversion to Christianity. While I am eager to listen attentively and learn from their insights, nothing seems to persuade them to engage with someone they perceive as challenging their established beliefs. James advised a principle that can resolve all disputable matters.
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do” (James 1:19-25 NIV).
The doctrine of the stable datum offers a sense of stability for individuals, making them feel comfortable, yet often unaware that God’s truth transcends any stable data. Following Jesus requires a willingness to forsake everything. Those who avoid listening to others likely have something to hide, pretending to love Jesus while concealing inner conflicts within their conscience. An unwillingness to experience new things can trap a person in a state of slavery.
What’s intriguing about the Pharisees is that their disagreements with Jesus were rarely unanimous; some among them agreed with Him. Their divided views provided Him with a chance to escape when they sought to stone Him. The doctrine of stable data provides a sense of security. Any condition causing discomfort holds power over a person until they choose to confront it. True freedom comes only when one faces the feared condition.
Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honour your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbour as yourself.’”
“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:16-24 NIV).
Jesus didn’t deny God’s Kingdom to the young man, but his inability to face poverty kept him from it. Economic stability was his anchor, and he couldn’t be persuaded to let it go, reducing himself to those in poverty. The truth is, what we can’t confront ends up ruling over us. The young man couldn’t accept being on equal footing with the poor, and his refusal to experience poverty allowed it to dominate him, though some might simply blame his pride.
Those who judge him in this way might find themselves in a similar situation, possibly even envying his wealth. It’s a tough break for the young man, but here’s the good news: Jesus’ word is supreme. His word is the only reliable foundation. If Jesus tells you to leap from a high tower, there’s no reason to doubt it—His word is more trustworthy than gravity itself. The Psalmist describes everything else as sinking sand. It’s time to set aside the wisdom of celebrated professors and hold fast to Jesus’ word.
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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