What does the “Cross” of Christ mean to you? Each individual has to make a conscious decision as to whether the “Cross” is a decoration or a symbol of salvation. There is a story about Elvis, that he wore a cross, a star of David, and the Hebrew letter chi. He explained his jewelry choices as follows: “I don’t want to miss out on heaven due to a technicality.“ No matter what you do in life, work, hobbies, or pleasure, is the “Cross” always on your mind? Paul made it clear that there are only two categories of people: the “perishing” and the “saved.” The easiest way to figure out which one you are is be examining yourself in light of scripture as documented in *1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness [absurd and illogical] to those who are perishing and spiritually dead [because they reject it], but to us who are being saved [by God’s grace] it is [the manifestation of] the power of God.* Do you assume the “foolishness” of the cross, or have you truly accepted Christ as your Savior? For me personally, I am often reminded about how many times throughout my Christian walk that the “Cross” has been more of a decoration on my wall than a symbol of Love written on my heart. Once a person truly confronts the cross and its meaning, they will find themselves unable to live their life the same way ever again. The work of the cross, this gospel preaching, is what we need, to stay strong in the faith and encourage others not to drift away. The “Cross” is the word that will be your anchor when everything else in your life is spinning out of control and will assure you that, in spite of what appears to the contrary, God indeed does love you. Denying self for the glory of God does not come easy. There are battles that go on in every person as to how far, how extreme they are to live for Jesus. Picking up your cross means forsaking the lust and cares of this world. It means believing that Jesus died for you and in return, we must be willing to do the same for Him. We can see the heart of the Lord Jesus for His follower as we read His words written in *Luke 9:23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].* For many, it would be easier to die for Jesus than to live for Him. Following Jesus’ example in life because of our love for Him, is not an easy road, but where you end up will be worth it, heaven. The wisdom of all humanity cannot begin to comprehend the capacity of God’s love for us, and that is why we preach Christ crucified. Charles Spurgeon said, “Stand at the foot of the cross, and count the purple drops by which you have been cleansed; see the thorn-crown; mark His scourged shoulders, still gushing with encrimsoned rills… And if you do not lie prostrate on the ground before that cross, you have never seen it.” When all else fails, we can always go back to the cross and bond around our love for the One who died for us there. May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus be with you all my beloved.