“Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!” – Philippians 3:8-11 (NLT)
While belonging to and attending a church, participating in worship services and being involved in ministry can absolutely help bring us closer to God, only through a deep, personal relationship with Christ can we truly experience the peace, majesty and love our Heavenly Father offers us. It’s not about a religion, it’s about a relationship.
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
It IS all about relationship with Him. Thanks for this reminder, Phil!
Blessings!
It’s all about Grace, and we can’t experience that Grace when we are focused on religion over relationship. You said it so well, Phil.
Many blessings!
You said it so well, Phil. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my to-d0 lists, I forget to stop and just spend time with God – opening my heart to that relationship. God first.
Love this! It is so true that it is not about a church or a religion. Though church is a great way to connect with other believers and learn. It is about a true, intimate relationship. Well said, Phil.