Just Jewelry?

Scriptures: God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Galatians 6:14)

Some Christians make it a habit to wear a cross. It may be on a necklace or a lapel pin. It may be worn thoughtlessly as a decoration or prayerfully to let people know of the wearer’s personal faith.

In April 2006, a Methodist church in the city of Dudley, England, found out that it would have to pay a fee to put a cross on its new building. Yes, a fee was required because under British law the cross is an advertisement. It proclaims to the world, whether on a person or a building, that the blood-stained cross of Calvary is our only hope of forgiveness and salvation.

Our Bible reading today tells us of the cross – the instrument of execution used on our Savior (Matthew 27:22-26). The crowd in anger shouted, “Let him be crucified!” The cross is a sign of His death, and must not be taken lightly. This should cause us to examine what the cross means to us. Is it a witness to our eternal hope in the saving death of Jesus on the Calvary?

While wearing the cross may be a challenging mark of discipleship, far more challenging is our Lord’s command that we “take up [our] cross daily” and learn what it means to follow in His footsteps (Luke 9:23). And that includes a willingness to practice costly discipleship. – Vernon C. Grounds

“Take thy cross and follow me,”
I hear the blessed Savior call;
How can I make a lesser sacrifice
When Jesus gave His all? -- Ackley

(From Our Daily Bread On-line Daily Devotion, March 24, 2008 – Written by Vernon C. Grounds)

Prayer Requests:
For all of us struggling with taking up our cross daily

Prayer:

Our faithful Father, thank you for the atoning love and sacrifice in our Lord Jesus. Help us to learn from Him and give us the strength and commitment to take up our cross daily to follow Christ for we desire to be children of your delight. In the amazing name of our Lord Jesus we pray, Amen!