This quote by Ravi Zacharias distinguishes between religion and Jesus Christ, suggesting that the former is a location or a set of practices, while the latter is a living, dynamic relationship with a person. Religion, as Zacharias sees it, is a place – a static, predefined set of beliefs, rituals, and structures. It is a destination that can be reached, a system that one can align oneself with.
On the other hand, coming to Jesus Christ is not about reaching a destination or conforming to a set of practices. It is about engaging in a personal relationship with a person. This person, Jesus Christ, is not a static entity but a dynamic, living presence. This relationship is not about conforming to a set of external structures, but about transformation from the inside out.
In today’s world, this quote could be applied to the ongoing debate between organized religion and personal spirituality. Many people today are turning away from organized religion, finding it too restrictive or irrelevant to their lives. They prefer instead to cultivate a personal spirituality, a direct relationship with the divine that is not mediated by institutional structures or doctrines.
In terms of personal development, this quote could be seen as an encouragement to move beyond external structures and into a more authentic, personal experience of the divine. It suggests that spiritual growth is not about conforming to a set of external rules, but about cultivating a deep, personal relationship with the divine. This relationship is not static, but dynamic and evolving, just like any other relationship. It requires openness, vulnerability, and a willingness to be transformed.
