Professing "Christians"

I have been carrying the cross in some shape or form for just over a year now. Countless thousands have seen the cross, my largest viewing probably at the Komen Race for the Cure in 2009 in Downtown Cleveland.

I've had quite a few conversations over the past year, including the Catholic Church, the Church of Christ, Baptismal Regeneration, and the list goes on. I've also had a lot of witnessing encounters and passed out many tracts. Shortly after I started going out with the cross, I successfully branded myself as the "Cleveland Cross Guy." I wanted people who saw my cross, with a reference to doing a search on Google for "Cleveland Cross Guy" to be able to find this blog and find out what the message behind it was.

A year after I started going out with the cross, I realize I have effectively done the branding, but at times I feel it has been to my detriment. During or after several job interviews I have had, prospective employers have found this blog by searching for my name.

I have often times considered taking down this blog for that very reason, but Jesus' words echo in my ears: "For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels" (Mark 8:38).

I know I am viewed as one of the "fanatics." I see the odd stares and hear the blasphemies and curses riddled toward me. One person thought my cross was in reference to the shutting down of some local Catholic churches as he walked by me one day. I know I am the "fanatic," but I want to turn the tables.

It is the rest of America that has it wrong. A recent survey (from 2008) has 76% of Americans professing to be Christians. That is 3 out of every 4 people in the U.S. With those kind of numbers, our highways and byways should be flooded with traffic on Sunday mornings, but that is when traffic flows the easiest. What creates traffic jams in Downtown Cleveland? Four things come to mind: rush hour traffic, Indians games, Cavs games and Browns games.

Jesus told His disciples in Mark 16:15 to "go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." Considering 76% of Americans claim to be Christians and that is our command from our Lord and Savior, every 3 out of 4 people should be telling you about how Jesus died on the cross for your sins. I am guilty of not doing it myself- why should I be afraid to talk about Jesus in public when 3 out of 4 people are Christian? Perhaps because they aren't.

“Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness'" (Matthew 7:21-23).

If you read that previous paragraph and are one of those who "think" you are a Christian because you merely profess it, please scroll up above and click on "I have seen the cross. What does it mean?" It is the most important message you will ever read.