The Cross Around Your Neck

One of the most popular pieces of jewelry in the world today is the cross,  One does not have to look very long to see someone wearing a cross of gold or silver around their neck.  Some women (and men for that matter) wear earrings in the shape of crosses,  Others go so far as to have a cross tattooed on their body.  With all the crosses being worn today, everyone should be nothing but completely religious and devoted to Christ - right?

Sadly, for many the cross is nothing more than just a piece of jewelry,  So many folks wear a cross around their neck while cussing “like a sailor.”  The language is not what Jesus would use.  Many express words of anger toward someone with a cross dangling from their neck,  They don’t remember the words of Jesus hanging on that cross, “Father forgive them, the know not what they do,”

Name the sin:  lying, cheating, fornication, hatred, murder, filthy talking and jokes, envy, drinking alcohol, drugs, all are committed at one time or another with a cross hanging around the neck.  Wearing a cross as jewelry does not keep sin away, instead, it serves to show a lack of reverence on the part of many,  By doing sinful deeds while wearing a cross, people show no realization for the meaning of that cross.

Take a long look at the cross.  Do you see the face of a man suffering in so much pain?  Do you see the anguish in his eyes?  Do you see the blood flowing from his hands and feet that were nailed to that cross?  And through all the pain, do you see the loving expression on his face as he died for you.  The cross is the greatest expression of love as the son of God died to save us from our sins.  He did not die to allow us to look on his cross and keep on living lives that will condemn us eternally. 

Instead, look at that cross you wear so flippantly and see the salvation Jesus provided.  Obey Jesus and be baptized (Mark 16:16.)  Live a holy life.  Then maybe that piece of jewelry will really mean something.