LSEM > Devotions > Visible and Everlasting Promises

Visible and Everlasting Promises

  • March 1, 2024
  • Posted by: Carolyn Mahal
  • Category: Devotions
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As I stood there in the hallway, a curious student was staring closely at the cross hanging around my neck. He was bold enough to ask to see it more closely, but also, he asked if there was a story behind it. He knew that I had many different shapes and styles, and that if anyone asked — I would use it as a witness moment. He also knew that I changed which one I wore regularly. He said that was his favorite part. He began wearing one too, and that has spread to others throughout our school. One cross I wear has the Lord’s Prayer laser-engraved on it in teeny tiny print. Another was a gift from a student, and it was 3-D printed. And…another was one designed for the outdoorsman, totally designed in camouflage.

Such visible reminders can be seen in T-shirts, hats, jewelry, bracelets, and even somewhat hidden ones like a cross or other item in one’s pocket that simply serves as a faith reminder. These physical reminders are found in many places. Look around, as you read or hear this devotion. You might see Christian symbols or artwork on the walls or on a person. Why do we use outward symbols, anyways? Perhaps one of the reasons might be that God gave us the gift of being visual, one where images can be extremely valuable, memorable, and filled with meaning.

Those who have served in the military know the importance of a term called “attention to detail.” It is a particularly important philosophy that enables our service members to learn about and practice this trait that has become second nature. As teammates follow this, they begin to understand one another in a way that gives impetus to team excellence. When something is out of place, it is returned. When there is a mess, it is cleaned up. When preventative maintenance is paramount, it is practiced with timeliness and precision. Even curb appeal becomes an outcome that everyone desires. Most managers/leaders need to know how important this is. It means we look at both ourselves, others, and our surroundings and we do our best to ensure that what others see is done with excellence.

So how does all of this relate to our faith life and the children or people we serve? From God’s Word:

But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.                                                                                                                                    James 2:18 NIV

 We live by faith, not by sight.                                                                                                                                             II Cor. 5:7 NIV

The verse from the book of James speaks to the utmost importance of our faith lives. We do deeds because we love Jesus, and we desire to grow in our faith as we serve others. Faith cannot be separated from the response of works because the works naturally flow from the faith God plants. We serve the children in our schools, their families, and our colleagues. We do not need the outward symbols, but they can be helpful reminders and certainly a witness. In the second letter to the Corinthians, we hear the encouragement to live out our faith lives. We trust in God’s promises, not in what we see (again, these are reminders), but so that the Holy Spirit can work through us.

Wearing a cross or having one in our pocket is more of a personal reminder. It is not necessary. But…it can be fun, and it can perhaps encourage others in the faith. Just for fun, give the gift of a cross, a heart, a hat, a T-shirt. It can become a movement – all in the name of Jesus Christ. And…it can begin with childlike faith, as we often witness to children, they will witness right back to us, and will take Jesus right into their homes, too. God is good. He works through physical means too, but definitely through His people!

 

Devotion by Thomas Wrege, a military veteran and principal at Zion Lutheran School in Georgetown, Texas. He currently has two full-time LSEM teachers on staff. He loves the mission and ministry of LSEM and strives to reach every child with the love of Jesus and the promise of relational and servant hearts.