Sports logos and team names matter. They not only represent a team, city, and players but trigger memories and emotions for fans.

Lots of logos have changed over the years, but I usually prefer the ones from a previous time because they generate thoughts of former players. I love seeing logos that were used during eras when teams had their success.

The majority of sports logos, such as those used by the Clippers, Mets, Giants, Chargers, and the Heat, provide images with no underlying meaning and only make fans think about the actual franchise.

However, that’s not the case for every logo and nickname. Over the years, many believe the Cleveland Indians and Washington Redskins have offended and disrespected Native Americans with the use of their names and logos.

A couple of years ago, as a result of relentless pushback, the Cleveland Indians stopped using the grinning caricature Chief Wahoo logo.

Today, the Washington Redskins announced they are retiring the use of the Redskins name and logo after 87 years.

What this particular logo represents and the response it provokes has been up for debate for many years. Some feel it’s just a football logo and name, but others see the deeper meaning behind it and find it disrespectful.

Washington’s franchise finally realized the weight attached to the name and logo and are willing to make the necessary changes.

Unquestionably, we associate logos, images, and symbols with something. The most important event in history took place on a cross when Jesus died for our sins and the symbol of a cross still carries weight today.

A cross represents what Jesus did for us so we can be forgiven and have access to God. At the same time, it exemplifies the immense pain and suffering He went through because of His deep love for us.

In today’s culture, the meaningful symbol of a cross is seen on church steeples…worn as beautiful jewelry…and hung on walls in our homes.

Unfortunately, the symbol of the cross has also been misused and disrespected by awful hate groups, shown in vulgar music videos, and casually worn as a fashion statement.

Also, what about the name of Jesus? Do we properly exalt the name of Jesus above any other name? Do we recognize the power in His name? Do we accept others misusing His name in vain or as a swear word?

Depending on our perspective, the meaning behind the cross and the thoughts about the name of Jesus are denoted differently. For some when they hear His name it leads to reverence and honor, but for others, it leads to indifference, tension, or uncomfortable feelings.

As followers of Jesus, we must consider how seriously we take the image of the cross and honor the name of Jesus. Has the cross become a commonplace “logo” or does it truly trigger deeper feelings and emotions?

1 Peter 2:24 (AMP) challenges us to think about the importance of what Jesus did, what He went through on our behalf, and how the cross changes everything:

“He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross [willingly offering Himself on it, as on an altar of sacrifice], so that we might die to sin [becoming immune from the penalty and power of sin] and live for righteousness; for by His wounds you [who believe] have been healed.”

Knowing our faith is rooted in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the cross reminds us of this life-changing truth, we must also remember the powerful reality found in Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV):

“Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Today, let’s choose to not only place great value on the meaning behind the significant symbol of the cross but also lift high the name of our amazing Savior.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross on my behalf. Help me not to look past the symbol of the cross without considering what it represents, and the power behind it. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.