Have you ever forgotten something important? I’m not talking about leaving your phone at home or misplacing your keys. I mean something really important—like your anniversary or, God forbid, your kid’s birthday. Well, Billy Graham once faced something similar, but on a much grander scale.
Let me share a quick story. Years ago, my friend Don Tab had a conversation with Billy Graham. Don told me that after one early event, a man approached Billy Graham and said, “Billy, you forgot the Cross.” Imagine telling one of the greatest evangelists he left out the central part of Christianity! Well, according to Don, Billy was so shaken by this simple yet profound reminder that from that day on, he never left the Cross out again.
You see, the Cross isn’t just a symbol or a piece of jewelry we wear around our necks. It’s central to our faith, the very heart of why we call ourselves Christians. The Apostle Paul summed it up best: “I know nothing among you but Jesus Christ crucified.” Paul understood that the Cross is not something we casually acknowledge; it’s something that must shape our entire lives.
A buddy of mine shared a similar story. He attended a Promise Keepers event back in the mid-2000s where Joe White spoke passionately about the Cross. Joe said something powerful: “We need to put the Cross in everybody’s lap.” The message resonated deeply because it forced each person to personally confront the Cross. Not just hear about it or see it on a wall, but truly face it in their hearts and minds.
You see, the Cross isn’t just a historical symbol. It’s a personal encounter that demands a decision. Joe White came up with a powerful message called “The Crossbuilder.” It tells the story of the Cross from the perspective of the man who built it. Can you imagine what that guy thought when he realized what he had constructed? Talk about a tough day at work!
But that’s exactly the point. The Cross forces us to confront our role in the story of salvation. It’s easy to talk about Jesus and forget the raw reality of the Cross. Jesus didn’t just die; He chose to die for us, willingly embracing pain and sacrifice because of His love. This is the heart of Christianity.
The Apostle Paul summed up his entire ministry by pointing to this one thing, saying, “I know nothing among you but Jesus Christ crucified.” It sounds simple, yet it’s deeply profound. Without the Cross, our faith loses its power. It becomes nothing more than nice teachings and good behavior.
You see, the Cross is personal. It’s not enough to just admire it from a distance or wear it as jewelry. It’s about letting its message transform your life. Jesus didn’t just die on the Cross; He overcame death through it, offering you and me forgiveness, freedom, and eternal life.
Famous preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, “All heaven is interested in the Cross of Christ, all hell terribly afraid of it, while men are the only beings who more or less ignore its meaning.” That hits home, doesn’t it? Let’s make sure we’re not among those ignoring its power.
Here’s a simple takeaway: The Cross should be the center of your life, shaping your actions, your relationships, and your future. Don’t let it be an afterthought. Like Billy Graham learned that day, never forget to keep the Cross central.
Now, let’s put it into action. This week, I challenge you to take a few moments every day to reflect on what the Cross means to you personally. Don’t just gloss over it—really think about it. Let it transform you.
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