The Cross in our Lives
The modern Christian tends to wear crosses as much as carry them – at least in jewellery. It’s noticeable among celebrities: religious symbols are turned into expensive jewellery. It’s strange to think that a Roman method of execution is now a fashion accessory.
From clothes, bumper stickers and related merchandise to jewellery, Christian material generates an estimated $3 billion in annual revenue. Their real value however is more difficult to peg.
In life people don’t have to seek crosses, they find you. Unlike jewellery, there is no choice or selection involved. Coming in all shapes and sizes, they fit every life.
The original crosses were made to die on, not to die for as jewellery, and what we must crucify daily in our ego. (EGO can mean Edging God Out!)
Peter meant no harm in opposing Jesus – neither do we. Even if nobly intended, his response was contrary to the plan of God. His desire was as old as Adam, to be significant on our own terms. None of this defeatist talk of Jerusalem and death!
Peter and we must all come to the place where we realise that we can’t take one breath, think one thought or accomplish anything worthwhile – without God. He leads; we follow.
The cross isn’t just something to wear, it’s a reality to be lived.
Photo by Constantin Panagopoulos on Unsplash
Live the reality of the Cross