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| X FACTOR (Photo credit: eisenbahner) |
Not to us, Lord, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.
Psalm 115:1
New International Version (NIV)
Traditionally an illiterate person has been allowed to sign their name with a simple "X". The "X" was not the person's name, but a replacement for the name they were unable to read or write. During the Christmas season we often will see the name/title of the Christ replaced with an "X". There are several reasons for this, some innocently done and some with devious intent. Generally most of us know what the "X" stands for and there is arguably a long tradition of using the "X" to designate Christ. This use of "X" is more often used as an abbreviation of sorts and not a replacement of the name. This is a somewhat minor issue over which to be concerned.
When "X" becomes the unknown or replaceable factor then Christians should resist. From the beginning of history people have looked for substitutes for God. Humans have a worldly equation for what will bring them happiness and in many cases they substitute God with an unknown factor which is what they think will provide them what they are looking for to make their lives better.
The replacement in their equations can be a person, money, or material things. They may replace God with work, education, or the pursuit of pleasure. All of these and other like things are fine as parts of our lives, but they should not be what we place all of our hope and belief upon. Worldly things are notorious for letting us down.
There is no replacement for God as the number one factor in the equation of eternal life. God has a human name in Jesus Christ. We might sign with an "X" but we must say the name of Jesus. There is no other way to attain salvation but through Jesus Christ.
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12
New International Version (NIV)
Excellent post, Arlee, for an incredibly hard letter to write about. "There is no replacement for God as the number one factor in the equation of eternal life" So true!
ReplyDeleteHi Arlee! Really cool and creative way to incorporate X. I barely found your site before the A-Z challenge ended, but I'm glad I did; I'm really liking your posts. And since I'm here, let me say thanks for being the brain to think up A-Z. It's been fun!
ReplyDeleteVery well done for a hard letter of the alphabet, but you said this really well!
ReplyDeletebetty