It's not the cross we wear, it's the cross we carry.

As I was backing out of my driveway this morning, I stopped and took the cross from around the mirror and placed it around my neck. As I began to drive to the church I began to ask myself the question: "Why do I wear a cross"? As I journey around town I wear a cross to identify myself as a pastor, as God's Representative to the community, but I believe that I must go deeper than that. I wear a cross to show people who I belong to, who I worship, who I love, and who I am a servant of.

Beloved, the question must also be asked in reference to our Christian witness and identity that goes beyond a cross around our neck or a fish sticker on the back window of our cars.

What truly identifies the Christian to the world around them? 

Galatians 5:22-26 tells us that the true identity of a Christian is shown when we express the fruits of the Holy Spirit by being people that exude:

1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Generosity
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness 
9. Self-Control
10. Bear one anothers burdens (Galatians 6: 2)

Yes, these things are the true witness of a follower of Jesus Christ and they speak volumes more about who we are, rather than a person with a shiny cross around their neck. Now some of the things that a Christian is not to be identified with 

1. Worldly passions and desires that supercede one's love and passion for Jesus Christ
2. Competition for church that turns into bragging or envy, that supercedes our unified spreading of the Gospel as to save souls for Christ Jesus.

Beloved, wear your crosses in pride and show the world that as much as you wear the cross you are willing to pick up the cross and follow it wherever Christ sends you. My prayer for you this day is that you take the fruits of the Spirit, as well as your baptism into the body of Christ as your true identity as a follower of God.

Have a great day

Pastor Tim