The Power of the Cross

Right now I have on my favorite "cross" earrings. They are a hammered silver design with silver beads and a little black stone in the center. Nothing fancy or expensive. On other days when I am wearing the right combinations of purple or orange, I wear my favorite cross necklace which is a combination of several materials pressed together in a mosiac looking design. It is an odd color combination, but it is unique and I love it. (This isn't actually it, but close enough.)

I have to admit that I am a girl who likes me some bling. Where others might be reserved or conservative in their choice of jewelry...well, let's just say I can go "all out." Yes, four bracelets may clang on the computer keyboard at times, but each one has a special meaning for me and so I want to wear them all. (And yes, I've also been convicted at times by 1 Timothy 2:9 and the whole jewelry thing related to outward adornment.) 

As I've continued to be convicted about my cross wearing habit, God really stirred in my heart the need to recognize the meaning of the cross and the accountability that goes along with wearing it.

For the First Century Christians the cross had a much different meaning from what we recognize today. We have crosses on our jewelry, our Bibles, our journals, our churches, wall art...the list goes on and on. We do recognize and affirm the cross as a Christian symbol, but often we forget about the weight and responsibility that goes along with identifying ourselves with the cross.

What does God expect from me when I openly wear jewelry using the symbol of the cross? Do I really remind myself that believers and non-believers alike see the cross I wear? Even if it is only a subconsious thought, the cross reminds others of God. What am I telling others about God verbally or non-verbally with my jewelry choices?

When we really slow down to think about the magnitude of the cross, we can't help but remember Jesus' words..."If anyone wants to come to Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me." (Luke 9:23)

The cross means denial of self.

The cross is the symbol of daily obedience. 

The cross is a call to die.

So, today as I wear my cross earrings I am reminded that every word I speak, every action I take, every attitude I display is a reflection of Christ. Because I wear my cross earrings I am to represent Jesus to those around me and remind them of the forgiveness and grace of a Savior. As I interact with my girls, I want them to see the call God has on my life. I want them to see a life of obedience and a person who denies herself in order to fulfill God's plans and purposes.

Most of all, I want the girls I minister to and live life with to experience the power of the cross. A call to die, yes...but even more, a call to abundant life. And so much more than a great piece of jewelry.