A religion that tries only to increase the number of its followers plays the game of number. Religion is not just external show of strength or mere wearing a sacred symbol or following certain procedures. Such customs and ceremonies are meaningless and mechanical when they do not tally with one’s behaviour. Similarly, going on a pilgrimage without devotion becomes a religious tour of pride; and performing charity with noticeable exhibition amounts to buying fame; for charity is doing something for someone without even expecting a smile of gratitude in return.
If after pilgrimage and charity one does not make a change in one’s lifestyle from bad to good, then one may not find God in them because such things do not ripen into faith. Outward show in the name of religion, have caused lots of blood to flow.
Religion is something within us. It is a matter of the heart. It is personal relationship with God by loving Him; and loving Him means to love fellow human beings. Such religion never creates riots and confusion; but provides peace. It does not divide human beings; but unites people. It believes that: “Service to others is service to God.” Such religion is inward efforts not an outward show. There is only one God. All religions are different routes to that God. God does not have a particular community as His group. He is universal.
Nowadays, man has no time for God. He is busy with mobile phones, TV and other distractions. Man is trying to be God, with machines, engineering, abortion, stem cells from human embryos and euthanasia. Technology has shrunk the world to a global village.
Our life is a journey amidst all sorts of people. The trip of life has to be taken individually. To climb the highest mountain, one has to go through a series of hills and valleys before one can reach the summit. We also see that the river keeps moving, overcoming all obstacles; it never stops until it reaches the ocean. So, must we, take up the path of action until we reach the home of God.
