Does it Matter?

Truly, does it matter? It depends what it is!

Teddy Roosevelt is said to have told the following story about two men who were talking politics. One asked the other, ”Why are you a Republican?” The response came back, “Because my father was a Republican, and my grandfather before him.” “Well, that’s not a very good reason,” his companion retorted. “If your father had been a horse thief, and your grandfather had been a robber, what would that have made you?” “I guess I’d been a Democrat,” he replied.

You may find that story amusing, but, then again, if you are a Democrat, you may not. I’m not a political person, to party affiliation I can say, “does it matter?”. Come election time, I’m more concerned with a person’s principles than his party. But, I must admit, for many party affiliation is all that matters. Those who take their politics seriously would argue that there are real philosophical differences between the parties. To them, it does matter!

What kind of car do you drive? Do you own a Ford, Chrysler, or a General Motors product? To show you how strongly we feel, our family has one of each. But, I know folks who wouldn’t own anything but Fords. Others favor Chryslers. Still others drive only General Motors automobiles. Some will only own imports. To them, it does matter!

What’s your favorite soft drink? Is it Coke? Pepsi? The Un-Cola? Or, are you a Pepper? People have preferences. To them, it does matter!

If you haven’t gotten the point yet, people have strong feelings about a lot of things. Yet, when asked about religion, they will often respond, “I don’t think it matters what church you belong to. After all, one is as good as another!” The car you drive, the soft drink you prefer, the party you identify with matters. But to religion many people just say, “does it matter?” The truth is, nothing matters more.

Those who say it doesn’t matter have never read the Bible. When it comes to Christianity there is Christ’s church, and then there are all the impostors. Come Judgment Day, the only thing that will matter is whether or not we were members of His church. Does it matter? It matters!

In the New Testament there is only one church (Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:18). All of the saved are added to it (Acts 2:47). Heaven is the destiny of the church (John 14:1-3). It does matter.

Join the party you like. Drive the car you prefer. Drink the soda you enjoy most. But, when it comes to the church, make it the church of Christ’s choice, not yours. It does mat­ter!