I have always had a “thing” for the cross.
At the Catholic church I would stare in awe (and confusion) at the wounds in the hands and feet of the man hanging from that cross. It was beyond my comprehension of why this man had been placed up there, but it was never really talked about…and in the church was where it stayed.
When I first saw my husband and his friends, I not only thought he was awful cute, but I noticed the clothing they wore. Most of them had t-shirts on displaying that cross.
I loved that.
They spoke about Christ as if it was a normal thing to have a conversation about Him. They knew Him, and were not ashamed.
“I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
It’s hard to be a Christian…
“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12
…but as followers of Christ, we are called to share the Good News, and that can be very difficult.
So many of the youth at my church have that unashamed faith like Jax and his friends. There are countless stories where these kids have stood up for Christ in front of their peers, and that floors me. I never had that peace growing up. That peace the Bible talks about that “passes all understanding” (Phil 4:7) and allows us to be bold and to stand up for the truth no matter what the cost.
Especially as a kid. I was more concerned about what my peers thought of me, how to get them to like me, and how to fit in. I can assure you I never wanted to set myself apart.
“Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.’
Then said I: ‘Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.’
But the LORD said to me: ‘ Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,’ says the LORD.” Jeremiah 1:4-8
My daughter is in 5th grade. She wears shirts to school that point to Jesus, and I give her credit for the courage it takes to wear her heart literally on her sleeve. She has been approached several times about what her shirts mean… and she tends to doubt that her response is good enough. Thankfully God promises to help!
“…do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak” Matthew 10:19
It’s difficult to approach peers about Christ whether you’re a kid or an adult, and sometimes it can be easier to be bold and allow a t-shirt to do the talking for you.
It sure made an impact on me.
