 |
| Source: etsy.com |
I have written quite a bit about visual reminders on this blog--things we put in our homes, wear on our wrists--tangible things that speak to spiritual things, things we ought to pray for, give to, and praise God for in our lives. However, I wanted to make a very clear point today that these things are not to be confused with spiritual matters in and of themselves. These things do NOT make us more holy (sanctified) or more acceptable (justified) in God's eyes! Wearing cross jewelry or hanging Scripture in my home does not make me more holy. In fact, it announces just the opposite--it reminds me every moment of how desperate I am for God's truth and grace in every moment of my life! Furthermore, while it is biblical to have visual reminders in our lives, it need not cost any money! All of our money is God's and we ought to inquire of Him how to spend it! Visual reminders in the Bible were usually free--stones, wooden alters, mountain views--all things found in nature. So while I spent money on bracelets, for example, I just as easily can scoop up a handful of acorns and be reminded to pray for my "oaks of righteousness!" Materialism, even if it involves items that are Christian-themed, ought not to be mistaken for spirituality!
I love how 19th century theologian J.C. Ryle talks about these matters in his book Holiness:
"True sanctification does not consist in outward formalism and external devoutness. This is an enormous delusion, but unhappily a common one. Thousands appear to imagine that true holiness is to be seen in an excessive quantity of bodily religion--in constant attendance on church services, reception of the Lord's Supper, and observance of fasts and saints' days--in multiplied bowings and turnings and gestures and postures during public worship--in self-imposed austerities and petty self-denials--in wearing peculiar dresses, and the use of pictures and crosses. I freely admit that some people take up these things from conscientious motives, and actually believe that they help their souls. But I am afraid that in many cases this external religiousness is made a substitute for inwards holiness; and I am quite certain that it falls utterly short of sanctification of heart. Above all, when I see that many followers of this outward, sensuous, and formal style of Christianity are absorbed in worldliness, and plunge headlong into its pomps and vanities, without shame, I feel that there is need of very plain speaking on the subject. There may be an immense amount of 'bodily service,' while there is not a jot of real sanctification."
In a nutshell, Ryle is stating the biblical truth that we are NOT made more holy by the things we wear, how we worship, and the things we deny ourselves. Instead, the process of becoming more holy (sanctification) is a work of the Spirit in our hearts. We must never deceive ourselves into thinking we are more holy by wearing Christian-themed jewelry, dear friend! Instead, we are made more holy by repenting of our sins and believing upon the truths found in Scripture, as the Holy Spirit transforms our very soul.
No comments