Jack -- you become a Christian by confessing you are a sinner, repent, and know that only Jesus can wash away your sins thought the blood of Christ. (Savior) Then, allow Him to be your Lord by walking in His way.
There are those who teach man is God. This is called New Age believe. Most churches don't teach this, some may. Find one that doesn't and join the fellowship of believers. And remember, Christians are people and will let you down, but Christ never will, so keep your eyes on Him.
When we decide that there is something better than the status quo, and are willing to invest of ourselves to earn it, God sees that we have seen the light. He then guides us to where we need to be.
Every experience in your life has some value. We who walk aware of God and His lifetime teaching know God. We check the Scriptures now and then to assure that we are still on track but that instant-by-instant, real-time guidance we get from the Holy Spirit makes the crucial difference.
We are only truly alive when we ask God into our lives. That makes existence, actual living.