Crosses are more than a fashion statement to Christians

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

— Luke 9:23 (NIV)

As we look forward to celebrating Easter, one of the greatest symbols of the Christian faith is the cross. As we browse through any department store jewelry counter, we can find crosses displayed in various sizes.

Some are bright shining gold. Others are made from various metals. Gems may even add some sparkle and shine. From the shiniest gold, to dull plated metal, crosses are fashioned to meet the budget of any buyer.

Some people wear a cross as a mere fashion statement. But to Christians the cross is a symbol of God’s love.

One historical day, Jesus Christ dragged a heavy, splintered, wooden cross on his back down a dusty road to his crucifixion.

As he continued down the dusty trail, he peered into the faces of onlookers, who reflected back at him with angry scowls, tears of sorrow, and unrelieved pain in their souls.

The sins of the world were evident to him by the expressions on the faces of this crowd.

As he carried the heavy burden of their sin in his heart, the cross on his back became difficult and oppressive as it pushed him to his knees. He felt like the weight of the world was strapped on his back. That day, Jesus, was crucified on this very same cross as a sacrifice in our place, to relieve us from the punishment of eternal death we deserved for our sin to make us right with God.

As, Christians, we wear a cross proudly as our confession to the world that Jesus is the son of God.

It also serves to remind us that taking up our cross on any given day means denying our harsh attitudes and ungodly desires and being willing to display the good nature of Christ, that we might be an example of forgiveness in a world overshadowed with sin, guilt and doubt.

Ÿ Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. For a copy of her new inspirational CD send $12 to P.O. Box 532 Grayslake, Il. 60030. Annettee can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com.