Matthew 23:5 NIV
5 “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries[a] wide and the tassels on their garments long;
There is nothing wrong with wearing a cross, if it is worn for the right reasons.
Don’t wear the cross around your neck for show.
In fact, it doesn't have to be seen by others.
Wear it close to your heart, as a reminder of the pain, suffering and humiliation suffered by Jesus on the cross of Calvary. Let it remind you of the love, mercy and grace of God, along with the teachings of Jesus.
If you allow this symbol to remind you of these things, everyone you come in contact with will be able to see Jesus in your life. In your circle of the world, you will be the light, to help lead others from spiritual darkness.
They won’t need to see the cross to know you are a Christian. Your words, deeds and actions will be the symbol of the cross and Jesus Christ.
Anything we do for show, or partially for show, is done for ourselves and our motives are wrong.
Jesus did everything for others and taught us to deny ourselves. He taught us to think beyond ourselves and care about others.
When we focus on how things will benefit us, or look good for us, we are allowing Satan to corrode what should be a good thing. Like giving to others, or to a great cause; or displaying symbols to “prove” we are believers.
We should never try to impress or convince someone of our Christianity. In these instances, we would be doing it for ourselves.
Instead, our life should be the reflection of Christ.
Every word we speak and action we take should present and portray ourselves as being a Christian. Every thing we do should reflect Christ and His teachings. Every thing we do should display the 9 components of the “fruit of the spirit.”
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Wear your cross to remind you of Jesus, but let your words and actions represent and reflect Christ, so that this is what people see above all things.
RVH