Christ Alone

I went by a cemetery the other day. For years three crosses stood at the end of the property, close to the road; a poignant reminder of Christ's work at Calvary to all who passed. No more. The three crosses are gone, and only the church's logo sits in that spot. To be fair, the logo includes a cross, but it is, very obviously, the logo. Better, right? Mmmm... Looking at those three crosses, I was reminded of the crucifixion, the price paid by Jesus for all who would come to Him. I thought of it as a place all were welcome to sit and pray. I didn't think of it as an advertisement for anything or anyone but Jesus. Now, I am reminded of the business, its members, and its property, and wonder if it would even be appropriate for me to sit there and pray as I once did. I'm not even sure if I see Jesus or I just remember He was once there.

Years ago, I had someone tell me I was "the real deal." It was the highest compliment anyone has ever paid me. Allow me to clarify by saying it was not someone who lives with me and it was during one of the quieter seasons of my life, as I recall; but it is important that people see the authenticity in our walk. Someone once said, "You may be the only Bible someone ever reads." Authenticity in the lives of believers testifies to the authenticity of the One we seek to imitate. We can't keep striving to do things our own way and preach Jesus to others. We have to put ourselves behind the cross. Like little neon arrows, pointing the way to what Jesus is doing. Hey, did you see that? God did that! Isn't that amazing? Isn't He amazing! We can't try to share the spotlight with Jesus and expect people to seek Him. Francis Chan says, "The point of my life is to point to Jesus." Get out of the frame; stop photobombing His work. When people look at you, is Jesus there? Does your ad say "Christ above all others"? Is your living epistle one of faith or one of fear? Does the world see trust or turmoil? I have to be honest, I'm speaking to myself as much as anyone. We don't always get it right. None of us do. Our walk doesn't always reflect our talk. We don't always step back and give Jesus the credit He is due. But we need to be surrendering and praying and working -- yes, working -- toward that end. (In the Church, "work" can be a bit of a naughty word, but that's a discussion for another day.) 

Look, I don't know why the organization I mentioned made the change it did. Maybe the crosses needed to be replaced and they could only afford one. I have to answer for me, and I pray they see Christ advertised, and Christ alone.