Often in a religious discussion you will hear concluded, “Well, it just doesn’t matter.” Though possibly sincere and well meaning, these four words can simply sweep away God’s Word and teaching in a single breath as being unimportant.
Certainly there are things in life that are of little or no importance. If you ate Raisin Bran or Cheerios this morning it does not matter. Whether or not the paper towel rolls over or under does not matter! But, friends, where God has spoken IT MATTERS.
In Leviticus chapter 19 you will read the phrase, “I am the Lord your God.” sixteen times. In each case God had given a command and concluded with “I am the Lord your God.” Verse 37, the final command reads, “Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the Lord.” No one reading Leviticus 19 can conclude, “It doesn’t mater,” unless he is ready to say The Lord doesn’t matter.” My friend, it matters.
Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. He that believeth not shall be damned.” It matters that one believes. Peter preached, “Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2;38). It matters that one is baptized for the remission of sins.
Let us never have so little respect for God and his teaching that we conclude (in the face of our Lord) “it doesn’t matter.” It matters if we hear one day “well done thou good and faithful servant” or “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” IT MATTERS!
– Steve Housley
Steve Housley is a former Pulpit Minister for Eastern Meadows Church of Christ.
