Religion is often about following a set of rules, while a genuine relationship with God is about a living, transformative connection. Religion can be seen as going through religious rituals, like attending church, seeking to feel clean but leaving unchanged. It’s about outward appearances, doing what’s expected, yet missing the deep transformation that only comes through a personal relationship with God. Jesus warned about this in Matthew 15:8: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Religion can sometimes focus on external acts without addressing the heart, but a true relationship with God begins in the heart and transforms everything from the inside out.

Have you ever experienced the refreshing feeling of a shower after an intense workout, where sweat and dirt are washed away, leaving you feeling renewed and fresh? After that cleansing moment, you step out of the shower, dry off, put on clean clothes, and settle into comfort, feeling a sense of peace and renewal. In the same way, this is how we should feel spiritually when we receive Christ. Just as a shower washes away the grime and discomfort of the body, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from the filth of sin that weighs on our soul.

I vividly remember the first time I met Sasha Hallock. It was at a charming café in Fort Greene, and the late fall air was quite cold. As soon as I arrived, Sasha handed me a warm cup of coffee and a freshly baked croissant, which made the chilly day feel a little more bearable. Our conversation quickly turned to faith, and I found myself being open about my doubts in God and Jesus. Growing up in the church, I had eventually walked away from my faith, not out of a desire to rebel, but in search of something I felt I had been missing. I wanted to experience the world in its entirety, including things I thought I had been keeping myself from in my pursuit of purity. This led to unhealthy behaviors, from casual relationships to drinking and smoking, but at the heart of it, I was searching for truth.

As the evening light of a fall sunset pours through the window, a baby’s cry echoes softly through the room. The little one is restless, her tiny face scrunched in frustration, her small hands reaching out, grasping for something—anything—that will make the discomfort stop. The room is filled with the sound of her crying, yet there is a quiet beauty in the scene. It’s a reminder that even in our moments of need, there is something deeply profound unfolding in the simplest acts of love and care.

As interest in spirituality grows globally, many are becoming aware of a reality beyond the natural world. Since ancient times, cultures have sensed that unseen forces shape our lives and influence our experiences. As more people explore this spiritual dimension, there is an emerging belief that, just as we can transform our physical bodies in the gym, we can also strengthen and elevate our minds.

Christianity, at its core, is far more than a “religion” or a label assigned by society. It’s a worldview and way of life rooted in the understanding that every person is created in the image of God, imbued with unique dignity and purpose. Regardless of race, age, gender, economic class, or background, Christianity holds that each of us is equally loved and valuable in the eyes of God. Christianity presents God as the ultimate expression of love, and as we align ourselves with God’s character, we become more balanced, whole, and purposeful.

The Christian concept of “denying the flesh” is often misunderstood as harshly restrictive or unnatural, but it actually speaks to something far more meaningful: the pursuit of lasting fulfillment through self-mastery, purpose, and genuine love. While today’s world may equate freedom with satisfying every desire, this immediate gratification often leads to harmful consequences, especially in areas like sexuality. Christianity invites us to see self-control not as an arbitrary rule but as a profound pathway to joy, clarity, and wholeness in relationships.

When we shift our perspective and begin to see frustrations as God-given opportunities for spiritual freedom, our lives transform. Every roadblock becomes a moment of blessing, a chance to build resilience and refine our trust in God’s plan. This act of flipping the narrative—seeing frustrations not as hindrances but as gifts—enables us to walk in a new sense of purpose and clarity. By embracing our challenges as divinely appointed lessons, we move from a place of struggle to one of growth, from captivity to freedom.

Our perception of life shifts subtly over time, shaped by evolving beliefs and morals that influence our thoughts, emotions, and actions in often unnoticeable ways. This gradual transformation is guided by what we come to accept as true, and spiritual exploration can be a defining part of this journey.

Progress in life, whether in our outer circumstances or inner growth, requires consistent effort. This principle is as true for our mental well-being as it is for any other aspect of life. As we strive to improve our circumstances, we must confront and tend to our inner struggles, applying the same diligence to personal growth as we do to work or physical health.

Many people resonate with the idea of something greater than themselves, often conceptualizing it as an intelligent being outside of time and space. Spiritualists may refer to this intelligence as “the Universe,” allowing them to label this source without the constraints of traditional religious language. This perspective suggests that God exists in everything—whether it’s a bug, a tiger, a rock, or a human—indicating that the energy of God is imprinted in all creation. For many non-religious individuals or those who feel alienated by institutional religion, the notion of the Universe provides a way to engage with the divine while avoiding the labels and doctrines of organized faith.

In the spiritual world, a realm unseen by our earthly eyes, how can we know what or who we are interacting with? These are profound questions that every soul must wrestle with, especially in a world filled with many religions, beliefs, and ideologies—each claiming to hold the truth. In a reality where truth exists, there can only be one ultimate truth, one Spirit reigning above all. But how do we identify it? How do we discern the real from the false?

Dancing with a partner is an incredibly intimate and harmonious form of movement. It’s a silent conversation between two people, where words are unnecessary. Instead, there is a mutual understanding that forms through trust and awareness of each other’s presence. To move gracefully across the floor, a duo must create a synergy by intuitively learning the other’s body language, rhythm, and mind, without speaking a single word. They must learn to trust each other, yielding to the movement rather than controlling it. In many ways, this is a beautiful metaphor for our relationship and communication with God.

From a young age, I had a strong sense of right and wrong. I didn’t need anyone to tell me when something was off—it was as if I could feel it deep within me. Darkness, or what many call sin, always made me uncomfortable, and it still does. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve noticed that society’s sense of right and wrong has become less sharp. What used to feel wrong is now accepted, even celebrated, to the point where many people can’t tell when something is harmful or going against a higher moral standard.

Many are familiar with the prosperity gospel—the belief that a relationship with God results in physical, financial, and spiritual wealth. While the Bible does indicate that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6), the nature of these rewards may differ from our initial expectations.

Many people go through life without fully recognizing God's presence. Though they may be familiar with Him, they often settle for a surface-level connection, rationalizing their relationship with God. Deep down, they might sense that truly encountering Him could lead to a profound transformation, which can feel both intimidating and overwhelming. The gap between their current state and the potential for change can prevent them from seeking a deeper relationship, often due to a natural fear of the unknown, change, or losing control. This fear can hold them back from experiencing the fullness of spiritual life.

At our core, all of humanity shares a common origin. The Bible teaches that we are all descendants of Adam, meaning we come from the same human family. Acts 17:26 emphasizes this unity: “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth." Far from promoting division, the Bible speaks of equality and togetherness in God’s eyes. Regardless of race, age, or gender, God loves and values every person equally. Galatians 3:28 declares, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This highlights the inclusiveness of Christianity, where everyone is welcome.

It’s easy to get lost in the daily grind when we live for the world, seeking purpose in jobs, relationships, or fleeting pleasures. But when we shift our focus to God, everything changes. Colossians 3:2 encourages us to "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." By looking to Jesus—God’s glory in human form—we stop chasing temporary achievements and start living for the eternal inheritance promised to those who are faithful.

One important truth I’ve discovered on my spiritual journey is that the soul transcends our body's age. The soul is eternal, and its growth is independent of how old we are. For instance, someone at 80 years old could be facing similar spiritual challenges or revelations as someone in their 30s, depending on their level of surrender to God. This life is not a race, and God works in each of us at His own pace. It’s perfectly okay if some people reach milestones later than others because "God shows no partiality" (Romans 2:11). He desires that we all come to Him, no matter when that happens.

The Bible verse "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established" (Proverbs 16:3) emphasizes the power of surrendering our goals and ambitions to God, letting Him guide and transform them for a higher purpose. For some, the concept of “dying to self” may sound intimidating, but it's not about abandoning everything you've worked for or giving up your dreams. Instead, it's about letting go of self-gratifying desires and trusting in God’s plan for your life, allowing Him to use your talents and passions in ways that bring true, lasting fulfillment.