There are times when I enjoy looking up a word that is generally associated with either the Bible or Christianity in a secular dictionary. Today I decided to look up the word “cross”. I started thinking about the word during a conversation with a female co-worker. She had just had a birthday and I asked her what her boyfriend got her for the occasion? She showed me a small gold cross. This prompted the following query: “What does the cross mean to you?” After a bit of a pause, she said: “Well, hmmm, it represents life. You know, life, because we aren’t always gonna have these bodies.” That was an interesting take. Since we were supposed to be working, I left it at that, but will revisit the topic again tomorrow if the opportunity presents itself.
It’s interesting to me that so many people really have no idea what the cross stands for. They don’t automatically associate Jesus Christ with a cross. I view the cross as an international iconic symbol that should have a deep significance to those who profess faith in God.
I checked three (3) different secular dictionaries; American Heritage® Dictionary, Collins English Dictionary, and Dictionary of Unfamiliar Words. Each one as one of its’ definitions tied it to Christ’s death on a cross and its’ association with Christianity. I happened to like the definition listed from the Dictionary of Unfamiliar Words. It reads: “The main Christian symbol, reminding Christians of Jesus’ sacrificial death and his resurrection. It is a symbol of good over evil.”
It is disappointing that some many people wear ostentatious crosses with big chains as a fashion statement yet means very little to them personally. I cannot know their heart’s motivation for wearing such a gaudy item, that’s up to God. But wearing such a piece without knowing it’s true significance is simply sad.
There is a local independent evangelical church who has NO crosses anywhere on its property, its building or in its sanctuary. When asked why their only response that “Jesus is no longer on the cross.” I am certainly aware of that; however, the cross is a universal symbol that is easily recognizable to most. It’s a symbol of peace, hope, love, Christ’s death. I attempted to broach the subject with the head of their Christian Education Dept to no avail. I was treated as if I were a reporter looking for something scandalous or controversial. I received no answer of any consequence. Why are people who are supposed to be lovers of Christ so afraid to take a stand regarding their beliefs? That represents a broad, sweeping generalization, for I know that all believers don’t feel that way.
What does the cross mean to you? Have you told anyone else? The cross represents new life ... eternal life. It represents a payment ... a debt paid. A debt we owed yet had no way to repay. It represents Christ taking a severe beating in our place ... bled and died for us willingly with no hesitation. Do you agree? The cross does indeed represent “life”, my co-worker was on the right track. I aim to reveal to her what she’s missing. Maybe you have someone you know who wears a cross. What an awesome conversation starter!! Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His Name & for His Glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resource(s): American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved; Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014; Dictionary of Unfamiliar Words by Diagram Group Copyright © 2008 by Diagram Visual Information Limited.
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