Several years ago, my wife and I traveled through the Orlando airport. While we were waiting in line for the opportunity to board our flight, we noticed two of our fellow passengers wearing attention-grabbing T-shirts; each shirt was notable in that it bore a powerful message.
The traveler who stood in front of us was wearing a shirt that displayed a biblical scene. On the back of the shirt was a depiction of Christ’s cross, atop the hill of Calvary, awaiting our Lord’s arrival. Rugged and menacing, the cross was the most prominent object in the picture. Along the bottom were Jesus’ words from John 15:12 – “Love each other as I have loved you.” The image of the cross and the message underneath were in beautiful harmony.
As you probably know, in the verse that follows Jesus goes on to say, “Greater love has no one than this; that he lay down his life for his friends.”
A short distance away, another passenger was also wearing a cross. It was not at all rugged, but smooth and refined in its appearance. This cross was part of an oversized piece of jewelry. Likewise, this passenger was wearing a T-shirt that bore a powerful message, however, it was completely at odds with the message of Christ’s cross. In bold letters the T-shirt declared, “IT’S ALL ABOUT ME!”.
What a contrast! What a clear portrayal of the all-important choice you and I must face each day!
When Jesus died on Calvary’s cross, His friends and enemies alike witnessed the greatest act of love the world has ever known. The innocent, sinless Son of God received the horrible penalty you and I deserve because of our sin. He was taken captive that we might be set free. He suffered and died that we might have life.
“Greater love has no one than this; that he lay down his life for his friends.”
When we place our faith in Jesus, we receive the wonderful gift of new life that only He ca give. He then calls us to a new purpose for living. No longer can we go through life believing “IT’S ALL ABOUT ME!”.
Our bondage to the sinful nature is forever broken, and we are set free to live our lives for God’s purposes. By the power of God’s Spirit who dwells within us, our lives can now be lived in answer to Christ’s call: “Love each other as I have loved you.”
Thank you so much for partnering with IDES, as together we show Christ’s sacrificial, selfless, and transforming love to a world in need!
~Gary Finley, Director of Development