Missing the Point

Have you ever wondered how all the different denominations of faith ever came about?  How or even why did people ever split into little 'mini' churches at one time?? I haven't taken the time to 'research' the thought (and probably won't) but, sometimes I catch myself thinking why do we have all the different denominations when we all worship the same thing, JESUS?! Why all the 'small' differences?? Why can't we all come together as 'one' and worship our Lord Jesus Christ? When I really think about it, it just seems goofy. It must of been at one time (remember I really don't know) that there were people that argued about the 'small' stuff so they branched off and started a new kind of church. Maybe it would be interesting to research the matter, but I really would rather focus on researching the Bible. I have enough trouble doing that!! :o) Have you ever thought that maybe, we are missing the point?? We don't belong to that group of believers for we don't like the way they worship.  Or we don't like the old fashion hymns that this church uses. Or how about that new contemporary music that that church calls worship music. Or even the fact of how this church might baptize, do we dunk or sprinkle??

                                                                     Does it really matter??

Jesus just wants our hearts and a daily relationship with Him. He wants us to know Him like he already knows us. All this other stuff is just stuff (I'm definitely not saying 'stuff' is not important). It boils down to where our focus is.  The problem is if we focus on the differences more than we focus on Christ.  If we're growing in our faith and daily relationship with Our God and Savior and the focus is on Him, then it doesn't matter where you go to church.  Religion is not a routine or even a decision of 'yes, I do believe'.  It's all about what you do with it.  Making it a daily habit of getting to know the Creator of ALL things in a more intimate way. Acknowleding that the world doesn't revolve around yourself and submitting yourself to His will daily.  That is so much easier to type than it is to live it out.  And believe it or not, Christians still make mistakes.  I used to have a hard time when a so called 'Christian' acted in a certain way.  It took awhile for God to show me that it was between Him and that person and I was not to judge them.  It was my job to love them instead.  And you know what, it's made my relationship with Him grow deeper not having to worry about what others were doing wrong and it looking bad towards 'Christians'.  God is bigger than that and can handle people being naughty.  He has a way of making ALL things work for the good of those who love Him. (Rom 8:28 NIV)  Just dig a little deeper and find out for yourself!  It just takes effort, motivation and selflessness.  Which by the way do not just come to you.....I learned that the hard way too.  It's a choice everyday that you make when you get up on how you're going to live that day.   Are you going to live for Him today or yourself?