This should be the word for not just this week, but for next 40 days of Lent. This church season ends the day before Easter. This was another word asked for by one of our members. The question could be asked, “What is the proper use of the cross?” It used to be that if a person was wearing a cross you would know that they are a Christian. But sadly, there are those who wear a cross who wear it simply as jewelry. I can remember seeing pictures of Madonna wearing a cross. Although it is not my place to judge, I have a great deal of questions as to her belief in Jesus as her savior and lord. This was epitomized by a story that was told as a true story of a woman who went to a jewelry story to by a cross. After looking at several, she said the clerk, “I want one with the little man on it.”
Should we wear crosses around our neck, or display them on shirts, or in other ways? The cult, the Jehovah Witnesses says “no.” First they argue that the word “cross” in the Greek New Testament means “stake.” And secondly, they see the idea of wearing a cross as form of idol worship.
First, it is true that the Greek word “stauros” literally means “stake.” The Romans lined certain main highways with stakes or posts in the ground where crucifixions would take place. The criminal would then carry the cross beam through the streets, often tied to it, to the place of crucifixion. That cross beam would then be attached to the stake, forming what we call a cross and there they would die. This is why we translate that word, cross.
Should we wear a cross? Based upon the fact that the cross was a cruel form of capital punishment, we as Christ followers should not display them without some reverent and thankful thought of what it means. Today the equivalent would be an electric chair or a needle, or rifle or noose. And so let us not casually use it but recognize the kind of suffering Jesus because of our sin.
Is it idol worship to wear a cross? In the church we have many symbols we use. We display a Bible and a candle on the table in the worship center. We have a cross on the organ speakers. These are symbols. The Bible symbolizes the centrality of our belief that our only authority is the Word of God. The candle symbolizes Christ being the light of the world. The cross symbolizes Christ atoning work on the cross as our savior. These are symbols, not idols. These point us to God and Christ, but we do not worship the symbol. Only God is to be worshipped.
And so, the use of the cross in jewelry and clothing and in other ways is appropriate and can be a witness to our faith in Jesus. It can proclaim our belief in Christ and identify us as a Christ follower. IT can also be a conversation starter. The next time you are having a conversation with a person you do not know who is wearing a cross, you might say to them after pointing to your own cross, “Oh, you believe in Jesus too.” Something to think about.
(If there is a word you would like me to cover, let me know)
In Christ Alone
No responses yet