First, a few images with some thoughts.

Variety, is indeed the spice of life. Photos are often used symbolically to make a statement that is outside of the literal meaning that most of us see. One image may represent one thing to the photographer, but something entirely different to somebody viewing the picture.

I have been known to use my photos as a representation of something other than the literal subject that was photographed. I do that because it is fun. Really nothing deeper than that.

An actual object below that was photographed, maybe the Elk or the bee and flower you see below, is still ultimately what the photo is about. We could use our individual imaginations to make them represent what we choose.

The symbol that is the Cross.

The Bible does use some symbolism, but that does not mean that there are not very literal Bible verses. Most are but sometimes symbolism, makes it easier to realize what the author (ultimately God) is imparting to us.

To me, there is no more beautiful or powerful symbol of Christianity than an actual Cross. Christ went to the Cross so we could have an opportunity for eternal Salvation and a life with God. He was nailed to an actual cross, but that does not mean that the Cross cannot become something beyond what we see with our eyes. It might represent the actual Christ.

Be it small or enormous, on or in a church, or wore around a neck of a person or pinned to a lapel, the whole world knows what you mean by it when you wear or display a cross.

In the end, an actual cross is made of mere material. Be it wood, plastic, metal or stone. It was what the Romans used as an instrument of torture and death. Often deaths which were unrighteous and amounted to murder.

One very famous death in particular.

We do not however, worship the Cross. We worship the one who died on a Cross for us. Worship is more than mere symbolism.

What we use it for, is to remind us what God as He appeared in the flesh, did for us, so we could spend an eternity in Heaven in the company of our Lord and Savior.

Moving on.

It is normal for mere humans like you and I, to have a desire to create our own versions of what we are given. For instance, take what God tells us through His Book, and add a little and subtract a little until we come up with a story that we think is more compelling, and a ceremony we believe to be more holy, than what we are actually given by the one and only God.

Maybe if each of us, and I most definitely put myself into that category too, in every respect, spent a little more time and energy, honoring what the Lord has actually given us, we might show Him that we are obedient to His Word not ours or those of others, and we have an undying love for all He has done.

I unfortunately sometimes need to remind myself of that. I admit that I feel better about myself when I do.

When I use an image on this blog, be it clipart or other, to represent the Cross, I do not use a crucifix. That is just personal to me but I do not like the concept of keeping Jesus perpetually nailed to a cross. A simple empty cross is adequate for me.

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If you’re a believer and you are anything like me, then I actually feel somewhat sorry for you.

I have gone back and forth in life considering myself a believing Christian and not. Generally people who are like I was, are Christians when it is not embarrassing to be one, or when you do not have to give up anything you like doing. You know, like sin for instance. When it is convenient or when we are in some sort of danger, then God matters.

Several years ago, one day when I used the Sinner’s Prayer as an entry point to a true belief (Salvation) rather than a convenient belief in God, my life changed forever. Forever, because I am not going back. I still sin, but it is not a constant purposeful act and when I do, and I pray for forgiveness I, am forgiven.

I have never been “the best” at anything. You know, not even neck to neck with the best there are at anything. That includes my walk with God. I could probably throw a stone with my eyes closed and hit a better Christian than me. With that said, I do manage to be an actual Christian. I sin less than anytime in my life and I am not just speaking about the things I cannot any longer do. While my sadness and anger at “the world” is high, my relief from those emotions is beyond anything I ever dreamed of. That is because of my personal relationship with God. Something that awaits all of us, but of course, it is up to us.

Religion when proper, can be an amazing help, but it is not religion we search for, it is God.

God created us in His image. Ever since, we and/or religion, have been attempting to recreate Him in our image.

May the Lord richly bless you,
Wayne