I consider Joel Osteen my Pastor, amongst a select few important influences in my development as a Pastor and individual.

Pastor Joel is the real deal, period, and in my estimation all anyone needs to learn and connect to God. (Check him out)

I consider myself a footnote to Pastors like Joel, with my own important additions, at best, and because of my own personality and methods may be of value to individuals that don’t jive with others, like Joel and that big smile.

Watching his show I noticed that he doesn’t have any symbols in his Texas church. A logo, which is expected, but not traditional “anything”, like crosses. Hmm…

Comparing it to my Catholic upbringing it was intriguing.

I’m used to beautifully decorated churches and lots of spectacle.

And I love it!

But too much importance is placed on the cross as a substitute Christ that’s detrimental when people worship objects instead of God and Christ directly.

I personally wear a beautiful cross given to me by my lovely son from his visit to the Vatican.

But I don’t attribute to it any power whatsoever, except for its obvious personal beauty and deep meaning because it’s from him.

Don’t put your attention and focus on rituals, symbols, props et al, that in the end are what the old prophets and Jesus warned us not to worship.

Enjoy them and the spectacle, but…

God is all you need…keep it simple.

Peace!

Get connected! Stay connected!™

Deus verus est
Christus Adventus™
Sola Fide