When I was 18, I wanted a cross tattooed on my arm. However, I was always afraid I would engage in some obvious sin in public and bring shame to the cross. Hopefully my life is cleaner now, but I am still aware of sins in my life. The cross I carry is visible only to G-d and those who are close to me. Its not glamorous. Its not made out of gold or silver. Sometimes I get weighed down with it. But its not a cross to show off my holiness. Jesus said that our holiness would be displayed whenever we loved others as He has loved us. That's how the world knows we have the right relationship with G-d (John 13:34-35). The cross I carry may be different from yours. But if your cross if 14k gold, you might be carrying the wrong one.
During the time of Jesus, a religious group known as the Pharisees wore prayer shawls with tassels called tzitzits. Many Pharisees thought that their holiness depended on the length of their tzitzits (Matthew 23:5). One individual wore these tassels so long that they dragged behind him as he walk. He was nicknamed "Son of the Tzizit". The holiness of the Pharisees was external. They took advantage of those fortunate. They robbed the widows and the orphans. It reminds me of crosses today. It seems like the bigger the cross or the more prominently displayed, the more obvious sin is a in person's life. Some wear crosses and little else. Others wear crosses and spew the most vulgar things out of their mouths.
When I was 18, I wanted a cross tattooed on my arm. However, I was always afraid I would engage in some obvious sin in public and bring shame to the cross. Hopefully my life is cleaner now, but I am still aware of sins in my life. The cross I carry is visible only to G-d and those who are close to me. Its not glamorous. Its not made out of gold or silver. Sometimes I get weighed down with it. But its not a cross to show off my holiness. Jesus said that our holiness would be displayed whenever we loved others as He has loved us. That's how the world knows we have the right relationship with G-d (John 13:34-35). The cross I carry may be different from yours. But if your cross if 14k gold, you might be carrying the wrong one. |
About FainnHe has a thick Appalachian accent and a magnificent beard. He is also married to Mary Ball Archives
November 2021
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