Cross on the Wall - by Jennifer Winters

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 (NIV)

It hangs on the wall where it always has--since the day when one nail pierced plaster to remind me of the three that pierced flesh. A simple cross made of wood with paint chipping from the edges, a display of my faith.

Most days I walk by without seeing. Most days I forget to remember.

But, today, it catches my eye and draws me close. If shadows hadn't painted the cross just right, how many more mornings would I have walked by? How often do I merely display my faith like a hanging idol collecting dust? Thin pages fall open, and the words of James remind me, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” (James 2:14 NIV)

The cross on the wall didn't save me, the man on the cross did.

“Jesus,” His name rushes soft by my lips. My savior. My king. My example. I want to be like the man, not the cross hanging still. “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:4-5 NIV)

Paul and James knew the man, but also that faith must move beyond our walls. Shadows falling right remind me that I was once saved by the grace of the man on the cross, and He calls us to serve others with grace He has provided.

Jennifer lives in Kansas and spends most of her days chasing three boys and finding different ways to worship in the chaos. Contact