A man living in caves doing penance obtained the capacity to raise two feet above ground and suspend in the air for a few minutes. He became popular, and people thronged to meet him. Because his fame spread, he became a celebrity. Within a few days, some people started having religious activities, celebrating the man inside the cave as god. Because of the demonstration of some power, this man becomes a god for the masses.
Beneficial: Is this skill or power beneficial for others? It is not helping others; instead, it mesmerises people to become his followers and give offerings to him. He becomes more powerful and rich, and it does not bring prosperity either to individuals or the community. It is not a productive skill to benefit people.
Temporal and illusory: The feat is just temporary. He cannot suspend in the air continuously for hours. It gives an impression to others that he has greater psychic power than others. People without understanding think he has a godly power.
Adding to God’s gifts: Life is a gift from God. It is not possible to add either a few hours to human life nor a few inches to human height. (Matthew 6: 27)
Natural laws: God has given natural laws in the world. Gravity pulls everything towards the Earth. At the same time, birds could fly, defying the pull of gravity. Thinking on this, doing research, and studying help scientists to find new technologies that enable people to reach far distances in a short span of time. Instead, being suspended in the air just gives momentary joy or popularity, but nothing to humanity or society. Such gimmicks blind people, while scientists inspire people to go achieve greater feats.
Self-aggrandisement: Satan tempted the Lord to jump from the pinnacle of the temple, so that people may watch him do that gimmick and accept Him as the Messiah. (Matthew 4:5-7) False teachers, false prophets, and false Christs would do such feats to mislead people. They are blind guides to the blind. (Matthew 15:14)
Do I discern truth or follow gimmicks of power?