not a lucky charm


*fingers itching to blog about something serious so decided to share my thoughts on an issue that has been on my mind for a while.


how may of us wear crosses on ourselves? any kind - as a piece of jewellery, accessory/keychain or even as prints on our clothes. do we really understand the significance of that tiny 'thing' that we wear or has its meaning been diluted through the relentless passing of time?


as most would know, the cross is a major, if not the most important, symbol in the christian religion. its the first thing that many associate with christianity and if you so adorn it, people more often than not assume that you are a believer of the faith. and many christians do wear their crosses with pride:) it certainly is interesting how a wretched tool of gruesome punishment has evolved into what it is today.


well..what am i actually blogging about? not too long ago, i realised that a non-christian classmate of mine had a thin leather 'necklace' round his neck, of which the pendent was a cross. i was surprised no doubt but didnt really think much of it. it was till i overheard a conversation he had with another friend..wouldnt elaborate on what transpired between them but it suffices to say that he saw the cross as a lucky charm of some sort. didnt say anything in horror/indignation then[guess i was speechless] but it got me thinking about the reason that so many christians wear the cross.


what exactly does the simple piece of shining metal symbolise? like implied earlier, many of us use it for the means of 'identification' amongst fellow believers. its almost as if that we use it to say that 'we belong to the club' sometimes.[dun misunderstand me, i am in no way saying that this is wrong per se, no offense k] or sometimes, we think that its our duty to wear it, as an outward sign that we believe in Jesus. perhaps so but are we missing the real point of this act?


as i thought more about this, i realised that the real reason that we should have on the cross is to make known our commitment to be like Christ and our willingness to identify with Him. what is the implications of this decision - that we are prepared to share in His suffering. there is to be no pride in this, but humility rather.


contrary to 'popular' belief, the cross was nothing to be proud of in the past. it was a cruel means by which prisoners of the strong roman empire were tortured till eventual death! a slow and agonising death. crosses were the epitome of shame, anguish and rejection. if i am not wrong, the 'damned'[literally!] prisoners were hung at the crossroads outside the citygates. basically, it meant an extremely public death that was brimming over with public mockery. the cross doesnt not have a very pretty or innocent past does it?


[i really do not mean to sound judgemental or' high-and-mighty' here] do all of us who carry the cross keep that in mind? many times i forget them. i forget that true significance of carrying the cross is to say that i seek to fully comprehend and remember the sacrifice that my saviour went through for me. and that i need to thank Him everyday for that abundant gift of grace. it is not merely a fashion accessory or lucky charm, or a means to be a better christian.


the cross is a symbol of love and painful sacrifice. a reminder that the creator cared that much[extend both hands as wide as possible] for His creation. a reassurance that no one is too unworthy to find eternal salvation. a neverending challenge to truely identify with the passion of Christ. a commitment to be a christian..and the list goes on..


never trivalise the significance and power of the cross. without it, eternal life with Christ would be non-existent.


-O Mighty Cross-


O Mighty Cross Love lifted high
The Lord of Life raised there to die
His Sacrifice on Calvary has made the mighty cross
A tree of life to me


O Mighty Cross what Throne of Grace
He knew no sin yet took my place
His Sacrifice on Calvary has made the mighty cross
A tree of life to me


O Mighty Cross O Christ so pure
Love held Him there such shame endured
His Sacrifice on Calvary has made the mighty cross
A tree of life to me


O Mighty Cross my soul's release!
The stripes He bore have brought me peace
His Sacrifice on Calvary has made the mighty cross
A tree of life to me