We often say Christianity is not religion, it is a relationship with Jesus. Too often it still looks like religion to many, but is it? Phil. 3:12 “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul pressed on with Jesus Christ as His dominant purpose in life.
In verses 7-14 he references Christ directly or by personal pronoun nine times. The Lord Jesus Christ is Paul’s clear objective and motivation. For him it was more than mastering a technique, or learning a doctrine. He uses compelling words like “the excellence of the knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord”, “that I may gain Christ”, and “that I may know Him”. In knowing Jesus, Paul is speaking of a life giving and life altering connection with God. The value placed on this relationship ascended to the top of the apostle’s priorities. Paul’s life was loaded with people at their best and at their worst, yet he keeps his heart tuned to Christ. Every life situation became an opportunity for a transformational encounter with Jesus Christ.