Cross On A Necklace Or Cross You Cling To?
“Are you comfortable with just a cross on a necklace or do you want a cross you can cling to?” Let that sink in. I recently read Wreck My Life by Mo Isom (which I highly recommend) who asked this powerful question. So which one are you comfortable with? Do you use the Bible for inspirational quotes to post on social media or for God to speak to you through? Are you asking Jesus to only lavish you with blessings or to carry you when blessings are given and taken away?
As for me, I was somewhat of a “cross on a necklace” girl throughout my high school days. I loved and believed in God and went to church, but felt He was a million miles away. When I left for college and had to leave everything familiar behind, I quickly realized I could either leave Jesus behind too or cling to Him with all the new changes. Thankfully, I deepened my relationship with Jesus. I started reading my Bible and talking to God. I am thankful for eighteen-year-old Whitney and that choice she made; she saved me some serious heartache. I promise you it was the best decision I ever made.
Why have a cross you can cling to? In this world people will disappoint you. It’s unfortunately a fact of life. Jesus, however, will never let you down. He will stick closer than a brother. No matter what you do, He loves you. Whether you are on top of the mountain or down at the bottom of the valley He will be right there with you. We can take refuge in Him and keep ours eyes fixed on Him, resting in the peace that He will never leave you nor forsake you (Psalm 141:8, Deuteronomy 31:6).
My pastor recently preached on the rapture and reminded us we have to be ready every day, not just one day in the future. When the day of judgement comes, Jesus won’t be looking at the cross around your neck, but at your heart.
In Matthew 22:37 He tells us to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” He does not say to love the Lord with part of your heart, or when it’s most convenient for you, or only on Sundays at church, but with all that you are. Maybe you think you have plenty of time and will ‘get right with God’ later. James 4:14 reminds us:
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes.
When I get to heaven I want God to welcome me in saying, “Well done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23) and I want the same for you!
Challenge yourself to work on your relationship with God; it may be to set aside 15 minutes to spend with Him; you have to start somewhere. Set reminders on your phone to take a minute and say a prayer throughout the day. Make a playlist of your favorite worship songs to sing on your way to work. By doing this, you will fall deeper in love with the God who already loves you more than you could ever imagine.
How do you cling to God in your daily life?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Whitney can be described by the opening lyrics of a few Tom Petty songs. She's a good girl who grew up in a small Indiana town who loves her mama, Jesus, and America too. She practices medicine as a physician assistant at an urgent care. Whitney is a music enthusiast and leads worship at her church. She has a heart for people, and wants to help young girls and women find their worth in Christ rather than what the world says of them. Whitney loves a good dad joke, the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, Southern manners, working on her fitness, attempting Pinterest crafts, and cheering on Indiana University basketball.