Introduction
After recently moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma, I began visiting a small church nearby. During the congregational Bible class before worship services, the elders (for our context, elder refers to congregational leadership) and their wives were generally the only ones who spoke when questions and comments were invited. Since no one knew anything about me, and not wanting to be that guy, I kept silent one morning — whether or not that was the right decision at the time, I may never know. Honestly, I cannot remember the larger context of the class — the topic or passage being discussed now escapes me — but one specific moment has continued to poke and prod its way into being written down.
Before I get to that, I should first explain that this particular tradition within the larger body of Christ claims to “follow nothing other than the Bible” and denounces traditions of men not authorized by “command, example, or necessary inference” within the New Testament. There is a general belief that objects not specifically mentioned and used by first century Christians in the New Testament (e.g., musical instruments in worship) are not authorized for use by God and are thereby condemnable as strange fire (Leviticus 10:1–2). Regarding the use of crosses within this tradition, there is a spectrum; but generally speaking, ornamental use is accepted (more so in a home than in a church building), while using it as a focal point (e.g., prayer or worship) is not.
The Moment
Toward the end of the lesson, the wife of the aged elder teaching the class exclaimed with condescension, “Are people really that shallow? Do they need a cross around their neck to remind them of Jesus? Do they not have enough faith?” Her comments continued with affirmation from her husband, and it was difficult for me to remain silent. Thankfully, a middle-aged woman of the congregation, with much tact and understanding of her congregation’s social dynamic, briefly and carefully mentioned the use of college football paraphernalia commonly used by the congregants as symbols of something enjoyed and supported. Unfortunately, the theological astuteness of her subtle comment was missed and deflected.
It is my hope that my response below — what I fought to contain that morning — will encourage reconsideration for those who affirm the questions’ implications, as well as affirm those of us who need faithful reminders.
Addressing the Question
“Are people really that shallow? Do they need a cross around their neck to remind them of Jesus? Do they not have enough faith?”
So, “Are people really that shallow?” Yes. Yes, we are, and we should not feel shamed for needing external reminders. Faith is not merely an intellectual assent to a specific belief; faith is an all-encompassing allegiance that is often analogized to the relationship of citizens of a kingdom and their king. We may extend this analogy with the use of banners, crests, and other trinkets that demonstrate one’s allegiance and relationship to a king and status within a kingdom. God understands human tendencies and instructed us in ways to help us remember and remain faithful citizens of his kingdom. What follows are some of the reminders we use.
The Greatest Command
In response to a scribe’s inquiry about the greatest command (Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27), Jesus quotes from these words of Moses to Israel after his delivery of the ten commandments:
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4–9, NRSV)
Notice the inclusion of physical reminders of their relationship to God and his commandments, placing them on hands, foreheads, doorposts, and gates. Those who adhere only to the New Testament may note that Jesus stops short of these externalities; they would, however, certainly accept the examples of the heart and teaching through spoken word that immediately precede these externalities but are still beyond the point at which Jesus ends his quote. Perhaps one might argue that evangelizing through spoken word is found elsewhere in the New Testament and therefore an authorized command, but they would be hard pressed to find in the New Testament the ritualistic means here included for teaching children followed by many parents who would still oppose the use of external reminders. I find this both hermeneutically and pragmatically inconsistent. Does Jesus not condone the greater context of the passage he quotes, including practical means of remembering, practicing, and presenting to others their faith in the one God? (For those who subscribe to the aforementioned hermeneutic, is this not worthy of necessary inference?)
Creation
Humans were given stewardship over creation (Genesis 1:28). Therefore, creation may serve as a continual reminder of our responsibilities — of who we are and to whom we belong. But if we’re looking for prooftexts, here are a few regarding the majesty of creation beckoning us to consider and glorify its creator:
The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
(Psalm 19:1–4, NRSV)
Observing creation prompted the Psalmist to consider his relationship to both it and God (Psalm 8), the Psalmist calls for creation itself to praise God (Psalm 148), and Paul notes God’s use of creation to perpetual point back to himself, leaving nonbelievers without excuse (Romans 1:19–20). Experiencing and feeling closer to God through nature is not creation worship; it’s allowing creation to direct us to the creator, just as God intended.
Reminders Used in Worship Services
The Bible / Scripture / The Written Word of God
What is it that tells us of the object of our faith? We not only learn from scripture; we are reminded by it. Some people carry a Bible, while others carry something that embodies or reminds them of the words therein (e.g., crucifix or bracelet). Without revisiting the written word of God, I imagine the faith of many would dwindle.
Communion / The Lord’s Supper
While the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic traditions have unceasingly carried on this practice weekly at minimum, many Protestant denominations disagree and differ on the particulars surrounding the practice; however, virtually every Christian church participates in what Jesus instituted in the upper room on the night he was betrayed (Matthew 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:14–20; cf. 1 Corinthians 11:23–26). Though the means and frequency differ, it’s difficult to deny the importance of what we call “the Lord’s Supper” has had and continues to have on the church since its establishment. If nothing else, it’s a physical reminder of what Jesus has done — a reminder given by Jesus himself. So, whether once per year or weekly and then some, we all acknowledge the authorized use of external reminders (here the bread and the cup).
Songbooks & Presentation Media
Whether holding an old hymnal or lifting hands to a projection screen, these are more than mere mediums of written and visual communication; they often allow us to recall memories, events, and our place within our traditions. We could even here include bulletin boards used by some congregations for prayer, mission work, and membership. When distilled, they communicate something to us that we then communicate to one another and/or God.
Icons, Sculptures, Art, & Decorations
Rather than argue for or against iconoclasm, I only offer consideration for how images have been used through the millennia as storytellers and reminders. Some church buildings are covered in stained glass, paintings, and architecture of the highest quality, while some churches avoid religious images like the plague, although the latter do often use seasonal decorations and other images. Perhaps we should consider how things are used, such as the difference between worshiping an image (idolatry) and using the image as a reminder of the one being worshipped, before making any sweeping judgments against others.
Church Buildings & Architecture
Whether a gigantic cathedral built through decades of work or a thatched hut that took an afternoon, we often come to recognize our place of gathering for worship as a reminder — sacred even. Whether filled with lavish ornamentation or bare walls, we have our reasons, and those objects (or lack thereof) and reasons continue to serve as reminders of our faith, our beliefs, and our doctrines. The same can even be said for those of us who meet under a shade tree in the desert, on an ocean’s beach, or atop a windy mountain (see “Creation” above). Even tiny apartments accommodating persecuted churches in places where it’s illegal to worship God, these places serve as reminders.
Miscellaneous Reminders All Around Us
Pictures, Mementos, & Family Heirlooms
Not only do pictures capture moments in time, but so do other things to which we attach sentimental value. An old family Bible, usually on display and not read, can be a reminder of our past, our traditions, and our faith, perhaps triggering a particular recollection of a person, place, or event. The same can be said of other items passed down to us (or even acquired on our own): jewelry (e.g., wedding, engagement rings), furniture (e.g., hope chest, antique table), art (e.g., painting, cross-stitching, framed scripture reference), and clothing (e.g., wedding and baptismal garments) may all find their place in our homes.
Tech
Perhaps not as many people talk about their computer desktop images these days, but most of us carry a phone with a specifically chosen home screen, one we likely see dozens or even hundreds of times a day. Some people choose family photos, hobby interests, or something they simply find beautiful, among other things; some of us use that space to remind us of our relationship with God. (Those at all familiar with my web and social media presence have likely seen symbols and images I have created for myself to serve that purpose.) Many of us also use apps for Bible reading, prayer reminders, and a host of other things that aid us in maintaining our faith and walk with God.
Friends & Family
The people in our lives can trigger a number of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual responses when we think of them or find ourselves in their presence. While we recognize no one is perfect, there are some people who, in some way, remind us of Jesus, make us want to better people, and invoke a response of glory to God. Some people trigger a negative response, and perhaps in that we are reminded to love — or perhaps recognize our own faults and even our own lack of love.
Reminders for God are Reminders for Us
Rainbow
It’s impossible for me to recall how many children’s Bible classes or Vacation Bible School sessions have been devoted to this lesson — this reminder. After the great flood, God set a bow in the clouds as a sign that he would never destroy the world by water again. But it’s more than that. Here is the passage:
Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring the clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.” (Genesis 9:8–17, emphasis added)
Notice God uses “I will remember” twice in reference to the sign that he established. Are we to conclude that God is forgetful or so shallow that he needs a physical reminder? I hope not! A reminder for God is a reminder for us — a reminder that He remembers. God is faithful, and we are neither forgotten nor betrayed; but we tend to be unfaithful, both forgetting and betraying, and often consequentially treat (or at least think of) God as if he is like us. God reminds us that he remembers in order to remind us that he keeps his promises and does not forget. God knows we need reminders.
Two Silver Trumpets
God instructed Moses to have two silver trumpets hammered out to be used for several purposes (Numbers 10:1–10). The latter half of verse 9 and that of 10 note the use of the trumpets being reminders for God on the behalf of his people.
Following God’s Lead
Joshua and the Stones
After Israel had crossed the Jordan River on their way to Jericho, God told Joshua to have twelve stones taken from the river and set up as a reminder for generations to come (Joshua 4). Here we can see that Joshua, of his own accord, took another twelve stones and placed them at the priest’s feet to mark where they stood with ark of the covenant as another reminder (Joshua 4:9). Was this wrong or abhorrent to God? There’s no indication that it is, so it appears Joshua was following God’s lead in marking a momentous place and time for others to remember.
Take Up Your Cross
When Jesus talked about people taking up their cross and following him (Matthew 10:38; Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23), he was speaking figuratively; but for some, it was quite literal. Jesus was not the only one crucified on a cross; others were killed in the same way due to their faith in him. Following God’s lead as Joshua did, is it unthinkable to carry an actual cross, however small, as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and our commitment to him? Let’s pray we never need endure such pain and suffering, but a small reminder of our willingness to do so could probably benefit us all.
Use Wisdom and Take Care
Can reminders like these become idolatrous or cause us to treat particular people and places as better than others? Of course, and I’m sure God knew that when he told Joshua what to do. It’s up to us to understand and protect ourselves from these dangers, but not by excluding these practices and reminders altogether. We can prayerfully discern what to include or exclude from our lives — whether or not a particular item has moved past a symbolic reminder and into a hindering crutch or much worse.
Slippery Slope?
When unsure or unable to argue against what I’ve presented above, among other things, I have often heard warnings against the proverbial “slippery slope.” I have pondered that phrase, the definition of which many find elusive when pressed, and I wonder whether or not we can recognize the degree of said slope: is it sloping down, a warning to the addressed about slipping and falling to one’s peril, or perhaps it is an upward slope, a warning for the addresser who continues falling backward into a blind comfort (or peril?) rather than engaging in the difficult terrain of growing and climbing toward a majestic peak from which we can see our surroundings ever clearer? Perhaps our eyes (or traditions, doctrines, denominations, etc.) are sometimes unable to distinguish between the milk and meat (Hebrews 5:11–14), or even the broad and narrow gates (Matthew 7:13–14).
Conclusion
While some see a thin line between idolatry and the use of external reminders of our faith, I see God-given commands and freedom enabling us to focus on and remember the one true God. Am I really so shallow that I need reminders of and for my faith? Yes, and thank God he tells me so; otherwise, I may find myself sticking to my own foolish wisdom and failing will power.
Let us continue in prayer for God’s wisdom, the Spirit’s encouragement and leading, and for grace and mercy in our failings, offering the same to one another. Perhaps there is more difference between us than there is right and wrong.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all.
