adminShame Isaki
WE all have been blessed with mouths and voices and we have used the same in many different ways. Some have lied and destroyed lives and families using the mouth while others have encouraged, healed and blessed others using the same mouth. At the end of the day, the issue is not whether we have mouths or not but how we use this part of the body.
The Bible actually warns about the danger the tongue poses if not used appropriately. In this country words have been thrown around carelessly and dangerously especially from two platforms i.e. the religious and political.
With the advent of the prophetic in Zimbabwe many statements have been released in the name of God and prophecy and some of the statements have caused more damage than good while the same is also true of the political arena.
Politicians have not been spared as well in this evil of releasing unedited, unsalted, uncensored statements to the public both local and international, and the consequences of this irresponsibility have been catastrophic.
We have a new generation of people both religious and political who are so obsessed with wanting power and preeminence to the extent that they will not stop at anything until they get it even if it means uttering obscenities and suicidal statements injurious to the state, they don’t care.
What people forget or don’t know is that leadership is not about talking too much, it’s about action, positive action, influence and making a difference even without saying too much. Your conduct, your behaviour, your contribution and initiatives speak on your behalf and you don’t have to use deception or manipulation to win people over because if you do that sooner or later the truth will always come out. In this country we have two prominent and important leaders, one is political and the other is spiritual.
I am talking about Apostle Ezekiel Guti and President Mugabe. The two were blessed with long lives and like Caleb of the Bible they are saying to Moses “Give me this mountain… I am still strong as I was 40 years ago!”
The two men share an important attribute, very important attribute. These powerful men don’t just speak, they don’t just use their mouths as a right. When they speak they speak sense and the country or world has to listen depending on which platform they are.
Apostle Guti hadn’t commented publicly about the spiritual on-goings in the country and I was actually worried. Some of us spoke and wrote articles about the prophetic fashion, anointing oil and several other controversial issues regarding the church but I felt that it was not enough if the spiritual father of the nation Baba Guti could not put his seal on this. Thank God during the 55th Anniversary Celebrations of his church the man of God spoke on two issues, the state of the church in Zimbabwe and leading in old age.
On the state of the church he lambasted the practices of preaching prosperity, selling ‘anointing oil’ and seeking spiritual fathers from outside the country. The gospel is not for sale, that was his simple, but profound message.
On leadership the man of God clearly said that there is nothing wrong with leading at an old age as long as one still has the energy and grace to do so. I hear you Apostle. There are different levels of leadership.
There are times when physical energy is necessary in leadership, then there are times when it’s no longer about physical energy but mental and spiritual energy and as a leader you will now just be giving guidance through your experience, wisdom and convictions. Those under you will be doing the running around but they have to be faithful and loyal in discharging their duties.
Surprisingly, Mr Obert Gutu of the MDC-T was infuriated by Baba Guti’s statement to the extent of attacking him and telling him to keep to the church. Lord forgive Mr Obert Gutu because he does not know what he is saying! I will not say more about this but to Apostle Ezekiel Guti we say thank you for finally speaking, we cherish your wise words.
Enjoy your old age, thank you. I actually draw inspiration from your walk with God. Meanwhile, Bishop Erick Ruwona must be commended for preaching peace and reconciliation to feuding Anglican congregants. The church is not church until we unite and stand with each other. Best wishes Bishop Ruwona.
Shame Isaki is a preacher, socio-political commentator and business consultant. Can be contacted on 0773 018 662
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