Recently we helped our parents to move out of their home of 38 years into a smaller, one level house. As with all moves like this, there are many "treasures" that cannot be taken along. I volunteered to organize the cleaning of the old house and asked women at my Bible study if they would like to help. I had many volunteers, one being a new believer from Lebanon. While we were cleaning I told the women that they were welcome to take anything that they wanted from what was left in the house. There were beautiful silver trays, crystal dishes, plastic containers, flower vases, serving bowls, candlesticks, a wide assortment of things. But this woman had spotted a small gold cross and picked it up and held it to her and with tears in her eyes she said, "This is all that I want".
For some of us who have grown up with the symbol of the cross of Christ, we can forget how powerful a symbol it is for those who have strived to earn their salvation. This Lebanese believer reminded me of the preciousness of the cross of Christ.