Unveiling The Mystery

Unveiling

The Mystery

Unveiling

The Mystery

Motlatsi J. Lesupi

Copyright © 2018 Motlatsi J. Lesupi

Published by Motlatsi J. Lesupi Publishing at Smashwords

First edition 2018

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without permission from the copyright holder.

The Author has made every effort to trace and acknowledge sources/resources/individuals. In the event that any images/information have been incorrectly attributed or credited, the Author will be pleased to rectify these omissions at the earliest opportunity.

Published by the Author using Reach Publishers’ services,

P O Box 1384, Wandsbeck, South Africa, 3631

Edited by Gil Harper for Reach Publishers

Cover designed by Reach Publishers

Website: www.reachpublishers.co.za

E-mail: reach@webstorm.co.za

Contents

Abbreviations

Preface

Acknowledgements

Biography of Nelson Mandela

The death of Nelson Mandela

Spiritual aspect of Nelson Mandela’s life

Nelson Mandela’s fight against apartheid

Nelson Mandela’s life in prison

Offers to release Nelson Mandela from prison

Nelson Mandela’s release from prison

Nelson Mandela and nation building

Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA)

Affirmative action

Reconciliation and forgiveness

Family life

Care for children

Serving other people

Care for the poor and needy

Education

Leadership

Virtues, traits and attributes of Nelson Mandela

Vision

Will and determination

Hope

Perseverance

Faithfulness

Integrity

Humility

Mercy

Forgiveness

Impartiality

Selfishness

Love

Wisdom

Sense of humour

Nelson Mandela’s achievements

The funeral service of Nelson Mandela

South African leaders

A Word of Wisdom

Roman Catholic Religion

The Islamic Religion

Appendix 1 RSA Police correspondence with Nelson Mandela

Appendix 2 Leaders of the African National Congress

Appendix 3 Nelson Mandela’s letters to his wife, Winnie

Appendix 4 Dignitaries who attended Nelson Mandela’s funeral

Appendix 5 List of selected Islamic terrorist attacks

References

Glossary

Abbreviations

ANC – African National Congress

ANCYL – African National Congress Youth League

ARM – African Resistance Movememt

AWB – Afrikaner Weerstands beweging

AZAPO – Azanian People’s Organisation

B.A – Bachelor of Arts

BCM – Black Consciousness Movement

BOSS – Bureau of State Security

CODESA – Convention for a Democratic South Africa

IFP – Inkata Freedom Party

LL.B – Bachelor of Laws

MK – Umkhonto we Sizwe

M-Plan – Mandela - Plan

NEC – National Executive Committee

NIV – New International Version

NKJV – New King James Version

PAC – Pan Africanist Congress

TRC – Truth and Reconciliation Commission

UDP – United Democratic Party

UN – United Nations

USA – United States of America

Preface

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, also fondly known as Madiba, the first democratically elected president of South Africa, had an extraordinary impact in his country and around the world. He changed history by shepherding a country that was divided and ruled by fear and oppression, into greener pastures to be a shining example of democracy. His mission to set free both the oppressed and the oppressor was achieved because of his unwavering belief in the good of man, and his relationship with God who guided him through his life.

Nelson Mandela showed not only that the struggle for political freedom could be won by peaceful means, but also how important it was to use this freedom responsibly to ensure that it was preserved. Out of the rubble of a nation almost destroyed by apartheid, a system which divided people on a racial basis where the ruling white minority oppressed other groups, he built a new nation based on unity, reconciliation and forgiveness; he advocated democracy, human rights and peace. He selflessly did all that was good, noble and honourable for the people of South Africa and the world at large.

The world saw him as an icon of true democracy, peace and human rights. But why and how he was endowed with virtues, traits and attributes that gave him the ability, capacity and capability to do what he did and to be what he was – his character and personality – remained a mystery to many, if not most, people. My revelation about what made Nelson Mandela who he was, is what triggered the initiative of writing this book so that I can share my insights with other people. This I am doing in the hope that it will help them to change their lives for the better, and live with other people harmoniously in love and peace.

Man’s life is like a vehicle to be driven either by the forces from the kingdom of light to its divine destiny, or by the forces from the kingdom of darkness to the doldrums and its destruction. Man has been given the freedom to choose from which of the two kingdoms he would like his life to be influenced. Man is, therefore, ’the master of his fate and the captain of his destiny’. A wise man chooses the kingdom of light through Jesus Christ only, and so did Nelson Mandela.

The truth of how God works with a man who fears Him, has been clearly demonstrated in Nelson Mandela’s life. This is what is being portrayed in this book, that man can establish relationship with God only through Jesus, the mystery of God. This is very important for all people to know, irrespective of race or colour, or location, for it shows how the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, is made manifest to His saints: To whom God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27, NKJV).

Jesus says, I am The Way and The Truth and The Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me (John 14:6, NKJV).

This is further cemented when Jesus says, All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him (Matthew 11:23, NKJV).

Those who will believe in Him through their word (John 17:20, NKJV) may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:2-4, NIV).

These cannot be found in any religion in the world, no matter the level of its philosophy or the knowledge and understanding of God.

Acknowledgements

It is interesting to notice, from time to time in our lives, how dependent we are on other people, whether directly or indirectly, in whatever we do or they do. This shows that we need each other in different ways for various reasons, meaning that we cannot live in isolation from each other as people. I notice that there has been divine connection in having been able to write this book.

Were it not because of the wealth of relevant information made available and the ease of its accessibility on the internet, writing of this book would have been difficult, if not impossible. I wish to extend my thanks, therefore, to all those who have contributed by locating, collecting and providing the information on the internet. Their work has not been in vain.

I wish to extend my thanks to my family – my loving wife and my children – for their invaluable contribution to making the writing of this book a success. I appreciate their patience for the time I took away from them to write, and their assistance in providing what I needed, such as meals and refreshments, and running errands for me.

Last but not least, my gratitude goes to pastor Joseph Tsebo Nkoati, the man whom God has miraculously used in my life to make me a born-again Christian, something I had always considered with disdain before and never envisaged I could ever, under any circumstances, become. Surprisingly, this has taken me to new heights of spiritual growth and development, and has completely changed my life. The vision I had in writing this book can solely be attributed to being born again, and being able to see life from a completely different point of view with spiritual discernment.

BIOGRAPHY OF NELSON MANDELA

Rolihlahla Dalibhunga Mandela was born into the Madiba clan, on 18 July 1918, at Mveso, a village near Mthatha, Eastern Cape, Republic of South Africa. His father was Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa and his mother was Nosekeni Fanny. Rolihlahla is Mandela’s tribal name which means troublemaker. He was given an English name, Nelson, later on during his primary school education by his teacher, Miss Mdingane. This was in accordance with the custom of giving all school children ‘Christian’ names. Nelson Mandela puts it in his own words as follows:

On the first day of school, my teacher, Miss Mdingane, gave each of us an English name and said that from thenceforth that was the name we would answer to in school. This was the custom among Africans in those days and was undoubtedly due to the British bias of our education. The education I received was a British education, in which British ideas, British culture, British institutions, were automatically assumed to be superior. There was no such thing as African culture. Africans of my generation – and even today – generally have both an English and an African name. Whites were either unable or unwilling to pronounce an African name, and considered it uncivilised to have one. That day, Miss Mdingane told me that my new name was Nelson. Why she bestowed this particular name upon me I have no idea. Perhaps it had something to do with the great British sea captain Lord Nelson, but that would be only a guess. (Mandela, NR, Long Walk To Freedom, Little, Brown and Company, 1995:13.)

Growing up, Nelson Mandela attended a Methodist church, and was baptised in a small Methodist stone church in the Eastern Cape village of Qunu.

In 1927, at the age of nine years, Nelson Mandela lost his father. Jongintaba Dalindyebo, who was a chief of the Thembu clan, became his guardian. Jongintaba Dalindyebo made Nelson Mandela’s education his priority. In 1937, Mandela moved to Healdtown to attend the Wesleyan college in Fort Beaufort, Eastern Cape. He later went on to proceed with his education at Fort Hare University, in Alice, Eastern Cape, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A). It was here at Fort Hare University, where Nelson Mandela met Oliver Tambo who became his lifelong friend. In 1939, before completion of his studies, Nelson Mandela was asked to leave Fort Hare. This was because he participated in the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) boycott against university policies. He had refused to be a member of the SRC as he believed it had been undemocratically elected.

In 1941, Nelson Mandela ran away to Johannesburg when an arranged marriage was organised for him by his family. He continued with his studies and completed his B.A through the University of South Africa and went back to Fort Hare for his graduation in 1943.

While in Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela was infuriated by the injustice and oppression he observed practiced under the apartheid government, ran by the white minority who considered themselves superior. The tyranny, exploitation and oppression he witnessed and experienced spurred him into action. He increasingly became more politically active and joined the African National Congress (ANC), the resistance movement formed in 1912 to ultimately secure freedom for all people in South Africa, and helped to form the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in 1944.

On top of his B.A degree, a two-year diploma in law enabled Nelson Mandela to practice as a lawyer and, in 1952, he opened South Africa’s first black legal firm. Oliver Tambo was his partner in founding and opening the firm. The firm provided low cost and, in some cases, free legal services to the blacks. He ran his business alongside his political activities, playing a major role in the ANC’s Defiance Campaign against apartheid. In the same year, 1952, Nelson became ANC Deputy National President.

Nelson Mandela was arrested on 5 December 1955, which led to the 1956 Treason Trial. He was acquitted of the charge/s on 29 March 1961 together with those he was arrested with on the same charge.

In June 1961, Nelson Mandela led the armed struggle and helped to establish Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation), the armed wing of the ANC, which was launched on 16 December 1961. This followed the failure of all peaceful and non-violence means, and the banning of the ANC and Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), the black nationalist resistance movement, on 8 April 1960 after the Sharpeville massacre where police killed 69 unarmed people in a peaceful and non-violent protest against the pass law.

On 11 June 1964, Nelson Mandela and seven others accused with him, namely Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada, Govan Mbeki, Raymond Mhlaba, Denis Goldberg, Elia Motsoaledi and Andrew Mlangeni, were convicted and the next day sentenced to life imprisonment. They were sent to the notorious Robben Island, except for Denis Goldberg who was sent to Pretoria Prison because he was white.

Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years, 18 of which he spent at Robben Island, from where he was transferred to Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town on 31 March 1982 and, finally, transferred to Victor Vester Prison near Paarl on 7 December 1988.

Conditional offers were made to release Nelson Mandela but he never succumbed to them lest the purpose of the struggle be thwarted. For example, on 31 January 1985 the State President of South Africa, PW Botha, speaking in parliament, offered Mandela his freedom on condition that he ‘unconditionally rejected violence as a political weapon’. This was the sixth offer of release reported to have been made to Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela rejected this offer. Previous offers were conditional on his going to live in the Transkei bantustan. He rejected them all on the grounds that he rejected the bantustans and all who collaborated in their establishment and maintenance.

Nelson Mandela’s response to the latest offer was read on his behalf by his daughter Zinzi to a mass meeting in Jabulani Stadium, Soweto, on 10 February 1985.

However, he was ultimately released unconditionally on Sunday, 11 February 1990. In 1991 he was elected the President of the ANC to replace his then ailing friend, Oliver Tambo. On 27 April 1994, at the age of 76 years, he voted for the first time in his life during South Africa’s first democratic elections. He won the general elections and became the first democratically elected president of South Africa, inaugurated on 10 May 1994.

Nelson Mandela led his country to freedom and built a new nation founded on peace, reconciliation, equality and democracy. True to his promise, he served only one five-year term (1994-1999) and handed over power to his successor, President Thabo Mbeki, in an extremely dignified manner.

Nelson Mandela married three times in his life, yet he was not a polygamist. Firstly, he married Walter Sisulu’s cousin, Evelyn Mase, who was a nurse. They had four children, two sons namely, MadibaTembekile and Makgatho, and two daughters both called Makaziwe, the first of whom died in infancy. The marriage ended in divorce in 1958.

Secondly, he married Winnie Madikizela, who was a social worker, on 14 June 1958. They had two daughters, Zenani and Zindziswa. They divorced in 1996. He attributed the instability in his personal life to his devotion to the struggle when he said:

As I later said at my daughter Zindzi’s wedding, it seems to be the destiny of freedom fighters to have unstable personal lives. When your life is the struggle, as mine was, there is little room left for family. That has always been my greatest regret, and the most painful aspect of the choice I made. (Mandela, NR, Long Walk To Freedom, Little, Brown and Company, 1995:586.)

Thirdly, and lastly, he married Graҫa Machel on his eightieth birthday in 1998.

Nelson Mandela had an exceptionally strong will, determination and perseverance to succeed in life. This has clearly been demonstrated, for example, in his marital and family life as when one marriage failed, he went on with another marriage and never let problems get him down; and in pursuance of his education where he had many disappointments but was never discouraged or deterred from continuing with his studies, not even by being a prisoner. This ultimately earned him his LL.B., obtained in 1988 from the University of South Africa. Finally and conspicuously, his untiring and unrelenting pursuit for defeat of white supremacy and winning of freedom and democracy for his people and country. Nothing could stop him and he ultimately overcame almost, if not all, the difficulties and obstacles he encountered. In some of his quotes he spoke very inspirational and motivational words to this effect, such as the following:

If our expectations – if our fondest prayers and dreams – are not realised, then we should all bear in mind that the greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but rising every time we fall. (Mandela, NR, and The Nelson Mandela Foundation, Nelson Mandela by Himself: THE AUTHORISED BOOK OF QUOTATIONS, MacMillan in association with PQ Blackwell, 2011:71).

There are few misfortunes in this world that you cannot turn into a personal triumph if you have the iron will and the necessary skill. (Mandela, NR, and The Nelson Mandela Foundation, Nelson Mandela by Himself: THE AUTHORISED BOOK OF QUOTATIONS, MacMillan in association with PQ Blackwell, 2011:70).

Nelson Mandela never wavered in his devotion to democracy, equality and learning. Despite extreme provocation, he never responded to racism with racism. His life is an inspiration to all who are oppressed and deprived – and to all who are opposed to oppression and deprivation.

Nelson Mandela died peacefully at his home in Johannesburg on 5 December 2013 aged 95, and his remains were laid to rest on 15 December 2013 in Qunu.

THE DEATH OF NELSON MANDELA

It was in the morning of Friday 6 December 2013, while I was watching TV that I heard the shocking announcement that Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, also fondly known as Madiba, the first and former democratically elected black President of the Republic of South Africa, had passed on at 8pm the previous night. The official announcement was made by the President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency President Jacob Zuma, saying:

"Fellow South Africans, our beloved Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the founding president of our democratic nation, has departed.

He passed on peacefully in the comfort of his home.

His Excellency called for South Africans to unite and to bid him farewell in a manner fitting of his legacy:

"Fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together and it is together that we will bid him farewell.

"As we gather to pay our last respects, let us conduct ourselves with the dignity and respect that Madiba personified.

"Be mindful of his wishes and the wishes of his children.

May his soul rest in peace, God Bless South Africa.

It first seemed like a dream. From that time onwards, I listened and heard confirmation of the announcement. The death of Nelson Mandela was the topic of conversation everywhere – on TVs, radios and in newspapers, and his name resonated in every corner of the globe. I followed on TV, watching when his biography was aired. Oh! What a remarkable life history – a life well lived. I learned he was well known, loved and highly revered worldwide. The day of his memorial service the following week, Wednesday 10 December 2013, bore witness to this fact when about one hundred heads of state were amongst those who came to pay their last respects to this extraordinarily renowned statesman. A man who was initially sentenced to lifetime imprisonment, but ultimately released after 27 years, and walked majestically from prison to the seat of presidency. This has been unprecedented. The only time anything close to this was recorded in the annals of history, was that which was documented in the Bible, when Joseph was sentenced to prison first, and later became a prime minister in the foreign land, Egypt, after his release.

Joseph and Nelson Mandela shared much in common, some of which involves:

They first became prisoners before becoming rulers;

They were both accused and convicted of a crime they did not commit;

They both feared God and obeyed his commandments;

They were ruled and governed by the same principles, the word of God, notwithstanding the age gap of more than 2,000 years between them;

They never compromised their principles for anything;

They were endowed with virtues, traits and attributes of leadership;

They both had forgiving hearts instead of revenge for wrongs done to them; and

They were both anointed to do their work and accomplish their mission on earth in a remarkable manner.

Indeed, the world felt like a great spirit had departed from the earth and with it had gone all its warmth which had enshrouded the world. What he once said in his life came true with his own death:

Men and women of rare qualities are few and hard to come by. And when they part, the sense of loss is made the more profound and the more difficult to manage.(Mandela, NR, and The Nelson Mandela Foundation, Nelson Mandela by Himself: THE AUTHORISED BOOK OF QUOTATIONS, MacMillan in association with PQ Blackwell, 2011:64).

I began to come to terms with the death of this wonderful man who had lived an extraordinary life – the greatest leader of his generation, and one of the greatest leaders the world has ever known. I accepted the fact that, like all others who departed before him, he had also been sent to the grave, the place appointed for the dead. No man can live and not see death, nor desist the power of the grave. Like all gone before him, and others still to come after him, he had not the power over the day of his death. In his lifetime, he acknowledged this in different ways:

It is a fact of the human condition that each shall, like a meteor, a mere brief passing moment in time and space, flit across the human stage and pass out of existence. Even the golden lads and lasses, as much as the chimney sweepers, and tomorrow are no more. ADDRESS TO THE JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE OF CONGRESS, WASHINGTON DC, - UNITED STATES, 26 JUNE 1990 – Source: Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity. (Mandela, NR, and The Nelson Mandela Foundation, Nelson Mandela by Himself: THE AUTHORISED BOOK OF QUOTATIONS, MacMillan in association with PQ Blackwell, 2011:64).

The death of a human being, whatever may be his station in life, is always a sad and painful affair; that of a noted public figure brings not only grief and mourning to his family and friends but very often entails implications of a wider nature.(Mandela, NR, and The Nelson Mandela Foundation, Nelson Mandela by Himself: THE AUTHORISED BOOK OF QUOTATIONS, MacMillan in association with PQ Blackwell, 2011:62).

Let me restate the obvious: I have long passed my teens; and the distance to my final destination is shorter than the road I have trudged over the years! All of us have to live with this truth, without suffering undue insecurity. That is what nature has decreed.(Mandela, NR, and The Nelson Mandela Foundation, Nelson Mandela by Himself: THE AUTHORISED BOOK OF QUOTATIONS, MacMillan in association with PQ Blackwell, 2011:69).

Sunday 15 December 2013 was announced as the day the remains of Madiba, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela would be put to rest – the most known, loved and revered president in the world, at least amongst his contemporaries.

I followed with keen and special interest the preparations made for his funeral. From his death on 5 December 2013, in Houghton, Johannesburg, Gauteng, until his burial day on 15 December 2013 in his hometown Qunu, Eastern Cape, there had been an outpouring of grief and mourning, as well as a celebration of his life and achievements. A life well lived indeed.

I sat down in meditation to reflect on the phenomenal life of Nelson Mandela, which he lived very ordinarily as a normal person. I had been intrigued by his life since his release from prison. I thought about what exactly made him what he was, what attracted people to him so much, and what made him an icon of the world I found that he had all the virtues, traits and attributes that are required in making and shaping a strong personality and character. I also learned that these are lacking in most people and, most importantly, I discovered the reason for this. This discovery was a great breakthrough into the mysterious life of Nelson Mandela and triggered the writing of this book, so I am able to share with other people what has been revealed to me.

Anyone can attain these virtues, traits and attributes, irrespective of political, social or professional status, colour or race, as long as they have the necessary spiritual maturity. Nelson Mandela had leadership in his character and personality and this made him shine, which was why he was the focus of attention locally, nationally, regionally and internationally. He, therefore, became an icon of the world. His life had been followed very closely and with keen interest by many people from all walks of life around the world, irrespective of race, colour or nationality. I, too, had been one such person who had followed him very closely, intrigued by everything he said or did, even by his mere appearance on TV, as he seemed to radiate peace, wearing, almost all the time, a happy smile. He handled issues of social, political and economic life in an exceptionally constructive manner.

Yes, almost everything about Nelson Mandela was unusually and extraordinarily interesting. Seemingly, many people were prompted by this to find out what factors contributed to moulding and shaping the character and personality of this great leader. In all areas of his life, from childhood to adulthood, many are searching for an explanation of what made him the way he was. Some say he was shaped by the social or political movement, and that he was a product of the ANC. I believe it is the other way round. He and others contributed significantly in shaping and moulding the ANC and its policy, by the virtue of the fact that they were strong leaders.

Indeed, many factors come into play in shaping and moulding the character and personality of an individual from his/her upbringing as a child to adulthood. These include the environment, exposure to lessons taught, observations made, personal experiences, and physical and mental health conditions. Analysis, identification and application of all the necessary factors required to build good character and personality of an individual is a very difficult, if not impossible, exercise with futile results. Otherwise, the world would have a recipe to effectively, efficiently and competently produce ideal people. Almost everyone would then use this recipe to raise their children proficiently.

I wish to share with you, the reader, and the world at large, a spiritual discernment I had, which I believe will unveil the mystery behind the ostensibly enigmatic life of Nelson Mandela, and also provide an in-depth understanding that our lives have not been made for us to live precariously, for us to fend for ourselves aimlessly and randomly. Rather, it has been designed to be divinely connected with the Creator, God Almighty, who made heaven and earth and the seas and everything in them. Just as the Creator has made and designed everything for a purpose – the earth has been created not to be empty but formed to be inhabited (Isaiah 45:18, NKJV), the sun is appointed to shine by day, and the moon and stars are decreed to shine by night (Jeremiah 31:35, NIV) – so is the creation of man for a purpose to be fulfilled by God Most High if man cries out to Him (Psalm 57:2, Psalm 138:8, NKJV). The truth is that man’s life is not his own, and it is not for man to direct his steps (Jeremiah 10:23, NIV). King David acknowledged this when pleading with God for guidance, I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me (Psalm 119:19, NKJV), and, Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path (Psalm 119:105, NKJV). It is only God who knows the path He has created in the spiritual realm for each man leading him to get everything that bears his name, including his mission and material things in the physical (Isaiah 45:2-3, NKJV).

Nelson Mandela’s exemplary life clearly demonstrated how a man can successfully achieve his goals and accomplish his mission on earth; by following the path set by the Kingdom of God for all humanity on earth through knowing and obeying His word.

It is through the word of God, i.e. Jesus Christ (John 1:1, Revelation 19:13, John 5:39-40, NKJV) who is the way, the truth and the life, that I have seen the manifestation of God’s awesome presence and power in the life of Nelson Mandela. At the same time, the word of God also mysteriously reveals the truth about itself as it forms the basis for explanation of all that happens in anyone’s life as well as in all humanity. The reason is spiritually discernible, only in Jesus Christ’s name. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made (John 1:3, NIV). He is the author of life (Acts 3:15, NIV).

SPIRITUAL ASPECT OF NELSON MANDELA’S LIFE

Man’s life is constituted of three components, namely physical, mental and spiritual. They cannot develop and function in isolation, but all need each aspect to make man’s life complete. However, the spiritual aspect of any person’s life on earth is the most important of all three. This is because it defines who a person is by influencing the way he thinks and acts. It connects one’s life with the spiritual realm, depending on our level of development and growth. We are connected either with the kingdom of light from which everything that exists originates and where the purpose and plan for the life of each and every human on earth has been formulated and is controlled, or with the kingdom of darkness where destruction of such life is planned and from where all sorts of problems, suffering and afflictions come. The kingdom of darkness, or the kingdom of evil, is built on lies, secrets and darkness. Consequently, all those who are ruled by the kingdom of darkness use lies, secrets and darkness (Job 24:13-17, NIV). The deeds of those who are in the kingdom of darkness are evil, and they are as mentioned in Galatians 5:19-21, NKJV). Everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed (John 3:20, NKJV). But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God (John 3:21, NKJV).

A person who does what is righteous and loves his brother, has influence from the kingdom of light, and is a child of God, whereas a person who does what is evil (as in Galatians 5:19-21, NKJV), and who refuses to obey God and hates his brother, has influence from the kingdom of darkness, and is not a child of God (1John 3: 10, NKJV).

Achieving the purpose of your life is the ultimate in a rewarding existence. It is not by a precarious life full of uncertainties, but by a definite plan with divine guidance through principles, that the purpose for one’s life is achieved. The accomplishment of one’s mission on earth is led by anointing from God through his word.

As we grow up and develop physically, mentally and spiritually, the physical and mental components of our lives require only food, while spiritual development is triggered by two things. Firstly, this concerns the environment, the wonderful and awesome creation we see around us – the heaven and the earth and the seas and everything in them (Romans 1:20, Psalm 19:1-6, NIV). Secondly, it involves the teaching by our elders about their own religious belief systems, either based on the word of God as a solid foundation (1Corinthians 3:11, NIV), or based on the hollow and deceptive philosophy of man (Colossians 2:8, 23, NIV), emanating from having a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they, being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes (Romans 10:2-4, NKJV).

The word of God is God (John 1:1, NIV, NKJV), and the word of God is Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:13, NIV, NKJV) who is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6, NIV, NKJV). He who sees Me sees Him who sent Me (John 12:45, NKJV). Anyone who has seen Jesus, has seen the Father (John 14:9, NKJV), and also, anyone who had known Jesus, would have also known His Father (John 8:19, NKJV). Jesus says, I and my Father are one (John 10:30, NKJV). Who can separate Jesus from God, or God from Jesus and deal with them as two different entities in isolation from each other? Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also (1John 2:23, NKJV). The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned (1Corinthians 2:14, NIV). This is the man who would rather concoct his own philosophy to replace the word of God. God’s word says, Yet you Lord are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hands (Isaiah 64:8, NIV). Can man, the clay, know better than God, the potter, and replace what has been put in place by God? The answer is NO, because There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the Lord (Proverbs 21:30, NKJV). The sinful mind is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by sinful nature cannot please God (Romans 8:7-8, NIV).

The environment, which reveals His wonderful works, triggers our imagination and thinking. The diversity of life on earth speaks volumes, in a universal language understood by all mankind about the existence of the Creator, His wisdom, knowledge, understanding and power (Romans 1:20, Psalm 19:1-6, NIV). A burning and insurmountable urge is kindled deep in our hearts to know and understand more about the Creator. That is why, in the quest for the truth about life and God, the Creator, different people follow various ways and have various ideas, opinions and religious beliefs which they teach others.

There are many religious and non-religious belief systems operating in the world. A religious belief system [Theism, including Christianity and non-Christianity], in general, believe in the existence of deities while non-religious belief system [Atheism] is, in the broadest sense, the absence of belief in the existence of deities. Less broadly, atheism is the rejection of belief that any deities exist. In an even narrower sense, atheism is specifically the position that there are no deities. Atheism is contrasted with theism, which, in its most general form, is the belief that at least one deity exists. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheism]

But is it true or possible that there are many ways to one God, the Creator, and therefore many and, perhaps contradicting, ‘truths’ about one God? Or are there many gods and, therefore, many creators of the universe and everything in it? Logically, no. The situation would be chaotic and disastrous, with each god designing and planning in isolation from the others and implementing with conflicting interests. Which of the gods is therefore in control? Only Him to Whom the word of God says, You alone are the Lord, You made the heavens, and their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship You (Nehemiah 9:6, NIV) is above all, and cannot be compared, equalled or likened (Isaiah 46:5, NIV). For all the gods of the people are idols, but the Lord made the heavens (1Chronicles 16:26, NKJV). These many ways to God are man-made and lead to death. As the word of God says, There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is that way of death (Proverbs 14:12, NKJV).

The truth is that there is only one true God as the word says, But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King (Jeremiah 10:10, NKJV). It is He Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever (Psalm 146:6, NKJV), and there is only one way to him, through Jesus Christ, His Son who is the gate (John 10:9, NIV). For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father (Ephesians 2:18, NKJV). " God our Saviour desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time (1Timothy 2:3-6, NKJV). This is why Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me (John 14:6, NKJV). However, Satan, the common enemy of all humans, has devised various snares, traps and deceptive ways to prevent mankind from knowing God and obeying His word. His main purpose is to overthrow ruthlessly, wickedly and mercilessly, all humans as children of God on earth and make them his. Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister (1John 3:10, NIV). With his spiritual ability and force, Satan influences the vulnerable and defenceless – all those who refuse to come to God through Jesus Christ, His Son. He makes them dance to his music on earth, by not knowing God and, therefore, not obeying Him through His word. Instead of being obedient to God and doing as He commands in His word, they rather choose, through their free will, to devise their own various ways of worshiping god/s and consequently they establish their various religions. With their religions, they prevent other people from coming to God, as Jesus Christ says, Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to" (Matthew 23:13, NIV).

Whatever they do, in word or deed, they do not do in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:17, 1Peter 4:11, Ephesians 5:20, NKJV). Instead, because they are not children of God and they have no fear of Him, they are disobedient to His word. What they do in word or deed, reflects hatred, through opposing and disobeying the word of God when it says, For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: You shall love your neighbour as yourself (Galatians 5:14, Romans 13:8, 9,10, James 2:8, Matthew 22:37-40, NKJV). This is echoed thus, Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12, NKJV). Rather they express their hatred by inflicting pain and causing misery, by making other people suffer in many different ways, including murder (even ‘in the name of God’).

Satan makes people short-sighted by focusing on temporary things of this world that appeal to their flesh, such as social status, wealth, fame and passing pleasure. About this, God’s word says, You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God (James 4:4, NKJV). Beauty of the spirit is far better than beauty of the flesh; focus on beauty of the spirit leads to reality whereas focus on beauty of the flesh leads to deception. To pursue the beauty of the spirit is life: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33).

Thanks to the one true God and Creator, even though He cannot be seen, heard, touched, tasted or smelled physically, because God is Spirit (John 4:24, 2Corinthians 3:17, 18, NKJV), He has always been close to each and every person (Acts 17:26-27, NKJV) and has given His word to all mankind, irrespective of colour, race, status, physique or age. To this effect, the word of God says it all in the verses quoted below:

"Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to