Stepping Closer to God: A Path for All, Regardless of Religion

Introduction

As a conscious Black man, I have seen how the world tries to divide us by our beliefs, by our color, and by our circumstances. Yet, I have also seen that there is a yearning in almost every human heart to connect with something greater than ourselves—a force that gives meaning to our struggles, hope for our futures, and guidance for how we live. Whether we call that force God, the universe, the ancestors, or simply love, I believe it is crucial to step closer to it, no matter our religion or way of life. In my experience, approaching God, however we define God, with a positive intention leads to better results in life. We become more rooted, more resilient, and more able to spread positivity in our communities.

The Universal Value of Seeking God

Growing up, I learned to respect the many ways people reach for God. I saw my grandmother pray in the Christian tradition, but I also watched friends and neighbors find peace in Islam, in African spiritual practices, or in simply living by a code of kindness. What unites all these paths is the search for meaning, justice, and connection. This is not just a personal feeling—it is reflected in the texts and wisdom of many traditions.

For example, the Christian Bible says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8, quoted in spirit). This is not about a particular creed, but about the act of reaching out, of moving toward what is good and loving. The Qur’an reminds us, “God is nearer to you than your jugular vein” (Qur’an 50:16, paraphrased), which tells me that no matter how far we think we are, that presence is always close, waiting for us to turn and recognize it. Even in African wisdom, the belief persists that the ancestors and the spirits are with us, guiding us if we listen and respect them.

What matters is not the label we put on God, but the intention with which we seek. If our definition of God is positive—if it stands for love, justice, compassion—then stepping toward God means stepping toward those values. It means holding ourselves to a higher standard, not out of fear, but out of hope for a better life and a better world.

Positivity as a Life Intention

Living with the intention to produce positivity is not just a spiritual idea; it has real, everyday benefits. I have seen in my own life, and in my community, that when we focus on spreading good—through acts of kindness, forgiveness, generosity, or just a smile—we change the energy around us. The world is full of negativity, and as a Black man, I know the weight of stereotypes, systemic injustice, and daily microaggressions. Yet, when I choose to respond with positivity, I reclaim my power.

This is not about ignoring the real pain or injustice we face, but about refusing to let it define us. The teachings of many traditions support this. In the Buddhist tradition, the practice of loving-kindness meditation is about sending out goodwill to all beings, even those who have hurt us. In the Christian gospel, Jesus taught to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31, paraphrased). What these teachings have in common is the idea that we are responsible for the energy we put into the world.

Modern science, too, is starting to recognize the power of positive intention. Just as in the world of artificial intelligence, where researchers have found that positive, intentional interventions—what they call “algorithmic reparation”—can counteract the unfairness that builds up in data systems over time, our own lives benefit from intentional acts to correct the negativity and injustice we inherit or experience (No Citation). If we simply let life run on autopilot, negativity and bias will multiply. But if we step forward with intention, we can break the cycle and create something better.

Everyday Advice for Living Closer to God

So, what does it mean, in practical terms, to step closer to God every day? It starts with intention. When I wake up, I try to set an intention to be grateful, to be kind, to be just. That doesn’t mean I don’t get angry or discouraged, but it means I keep coming back to that higher purpose.

It also means seeking out wisdom. Whether I read a verse from scripture, listen to an elder, or spend time in silence, I am reminded that I am not alone. There is guidance available, if I am willing to listen. Sometimes, that guidance is as simple as the advice to “treat others as you want to be treated,” or to “let go of what you cannot control.”

Finally, stepping closer to God means acting on what I know is right, even when it is hard. It means speaking up against injustice, forgiving others, and forgiving myself. It means remembering, as many traditions teach, that we are all connected. My actions ripple out to affect others, just as theirs affect me.

Conclusion

In the end, stepping closer to God is not about being perfect, or about belonging to the “right” religion. It is about choosing, every day, to move toward what is positive and loving, however we define it. When we do this, we not only improve our own lives, but we make the world a little better for everyone. In a world that often tries to pull us apart, this is a radical act of hope and unity. As a Black man who has seen both struggle and grace, I know that this path is not always easy, but it is always worth it. No matter where we come from, or what we call God, let us keep stepping closer, together.