Day 149- Crosses Everywhere

I approached two men today while handing out tracts. One was a former Mormon who stopped attending services after he had a child with his girlfriend several years ago. The other gentleman bragged how he was forced to attend a Baptist church growing up, but all he did was sleep during the sermon. I noticed that the former Baptist was wearing a cross. I asked him why he wore the cross and he proceeded to show me the cross tattooed on his right arm, the cross on his belt buckle, the cross on his shoes, and the cross on his ring finger. The former Mormon informed me that he had crosses all over his home. My new cross crazy friend simply loved crosses but had no religious preference. I asked, " Are you an agnostic?" He thought for a moment and said, "I guess you could say that. My dad died when I was sixteen and I just don't understand why that had to happen. He was murdered after someone broke into his house. That just doesn't make sense. He worked hard and he was a good person." Well aware that this was a delicate situation, I gently replied, "I can't even pretend to know what that feels like, but I do know that the Bible provides answers to questions such as yours. Genesis talks about how we live in a fallen world and what was once perfect is now depraved and sinful. Now we have all fallen short of the glory of God and will be condemned to hell if we do not repent and trust in Jesus. When I see those crosses that you are wearing, I am reminded of how gracious and kind he is to send His only Son to take my place. Will you at least think about that? Look at your crosses and know that you are not good enough for heaven, but he has paid your fine. Have you ever lied, stolen, or blasphemed his name? Then you need Him." His plastic smile clearly indicated that my time was up. We shook hands and parted ways. I used to wear a cross around my neck, but now I pick up my cross and follow Christ. My prayer is that this sleepy Baptist does the same.