“If we say we have fellowship with [the Father] while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:6-7). A while back, I was reminded that the spiritual muscles of at least some of our Persian Christians here in Germany are still underdeveloped. As I was serving Holy Communion that Sunday, I noticed that one of them was wearing a silver ring embossed with a menacing skull. It disturbed me to see his hand—adorned with an image of death—grasp the chalice containing the Lord’s true blood. I spotted the young man after the service and walked toward him. Seeing me coming, he quickly pulled off the ring and stuck it in his pocket. I could not help but chuckle. “Tell me about that ring of yours,” I asked with a smile. “Does it have any special meaning for you?” I asked. “Uhh, I just think it looks cool,” he replied. “Did you know that on the cross of Calvary and on Easter morning Jesus defeated sin, death, and the devil?” I asked. “Your ring symbolizes what Jesus defeated…” “I know…” he replied somewhat sheepishly. “I won’t wear it in church again.” I also thought about mentioning that it is inappropriate for Christians to wear any kind of clothing or jewelry that celebrates the dark forces—at any time—but I let it go. Our young friend intuitively knew that wearing that ring was wrong—especially during Holy Communion—and reacted well when confronted about it. In the photograph, you can see him preparing snacks for our baptismal class that was held a few minutes later. No ring… There are many even lifelong Christians in the U.S., too, who seem to have no problem wearing clothing or jewelry that glorify evil. Maybe 1 John 1:6-7 would be helpful for them to read. At the same time, praise God that for those who repent of such behavior, that same blood of Jesus cleanses them from all sin, including even inadvertently celebrating what Jesus defeated.
The Tiews in Germany 