A young, dynamic man wanted to know the ultimate reality. He searched websites, apps, and even visited some places of significance, and met a few celebrities. Nevertheless, he felt emptiness, loneliness, and isolation. Then he overheard someone in a coffee shop saying, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). He searched this quote and became a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. He shared his journey of discovery, how there were various useless and fruitless substitutes.
Mantra: One New Age group offered a mantra. They claim it is a secret utterance god gave the godman, and it is only for him. No one in the world could know that; it is secret and should be repeated by sitting in a meditative posture for 30 minutes every day. Nevertheless, the exercise for him was futile.
Rules: Another godman gave rules. No alcohol. No non-vegetarian food. No onion. No garlic…etc. They were just external disciplines and practices that did not bring any change in his thoughts, attitude, or behavior.
Rituals: He approached a religious, pure, and well-educated person in religious literature. Being a young aspiring godman, he taught him many rituals. The promise was that he would know the truth by faithfully following the rituals diligently, consistently, and without being skeptical. The rituals were demanding his time and even money, but did not take him anywhere.
Formula: Some websites provide formulae of life. Mostly, they are transactional. If this is done, that would be the reward. The equations of spirituality were weird, sometimes ridiculous. Yet this diligent seeker tried them and failed.
Philosophy: Are there not so many philosophies by great philosophers? He used AI to get distilled versions of all major philosophies from around the world. Yet, nothing could quench his thirst and give him a sense of belonging.
Personal Relationship: At last, he discovered that only the Lord Jesus Christ could offer a personal relationship and eternal life, as He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Do I belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour and the Lord?