I’m a Christian — my Cross Proves It

I wear a gold cross around my neck almost every day. It bears memories of my Savior’s death and resurrection that gives me hope for today and tomorrow. I wear it for another reason. My cross and necklace belonged to my sweetheart. He wore it every day. I am aware of my cross’ presence. I fiddle with my cross. I catch others’ glance down at my neck. My status as a Christian is worn openly. I’m not ashamed of it at all. But, is it merely the cross we wear that says we are Christians?

If ever there was a time for us to be set apart as Christians, it is today. No matter what we face in disappointment and unbelief that our America could look so hostile and broken, we MUST live above the fray. John the beloved apostle made it abundantly clear that we must walk the walk and talk the talk. That as followers of Christ, we should be living lives that reflect the royal family we live in. In royal families there is certain protocol that goes along with their titles. They have responsibilities that require respect, honor, and dignity – not to mention they represent “the throne”.

In 1 John 2:3-6, we read John’s words: “We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commands. Whoever says, “I know Him,” but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys His Word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.” That is OUR royal protocol.

We are the King of ALL Kings’ children. Holy Spirit continues to work with us to become stellar examples of what it means to be one of God’s children. Holy Spirit constantly urges us to speak a different language from the world. Royalty doesn’t speak “commoner” language. We represent the Royal Family — God’s Family. Our responsibility is to live our lives as examples of God’s language of love, forgiveness, gentleness, kindness, and peace, as well as sharing all of that with others so that they, too, will know they are also royal children of God.

It’s wonderful to wear the cross as a symbol of God’s love for us, but we, ourselves, are bearers of Christ to the world, and we too must model our lives after Christ. It is our identity. It is who we are. Whether we wear a cross or not, we are diplomats for Christ.

My husband was an incredible singer and pianist. I thought about this song he sung yesterday as I typed this blog. It gives us our “marching” orders. We can’t keep Christ to ourselves. We tell the world about our royal family because we love them too much NOT to share.

I’ll tell the world that I’m a Christian.
I’m not ashamed His name to bear.
I’ll tell the world that I’m a Christian.
I’ll take Him with me anywhere.
I’ll tell the world how Jesus saved me.
And how He gave me a life brand new.
And I know that if you trust Him,
That all He gave me He’ll give to you.
I’ll tell the world that He’s my Savior.
No other one could love me so.
My life my all is His forever.
And where He leads me I will go.

Dear Lord, as we follow You as your devoted followers and as we live and act as peacemakers and lovers to our world, we plead with You to heal our land. Lord, have mercy! Amen.