“Consider more carefully why we are Christians and why we bear the cross of Christ on our forehead. It’s not enough that we have received the name of Christian, if we do not perform the works of a Christian. As the Lord said, “What does it profit you to call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ when you do not practice the things that I say?” (see Luke 6:46.
You may say a thousand times that you’re a Christian and continually sign yourself with the cross of Christ. But if you do not give alms according to your means, your title of Christian can profit you not at all. The sign of Christ and his cross are a great thing, and for this reason should signify something great and precious.
What is the good of putting the sign of Christ on our forehead and lips when we hide sins and offenses within our soul? When many men go out to commit theft or adultery, if they strike their foot they sign themselves, but they do not withdraw from their evil deed. But if a person endeavors with God’s help to reject sins, and always attempts to think and do what is right, he justly makes the sign of the cross, for he tries to do things which merit the sign of Christ. Therefore, in order that we may bear the name Christian as a remedy not unto judgment, let’s turn to good works while the remedies are still within our power.”
Caesarius of Arles (470-543) in Voices of the Saints, compiled by Bert Ghezzi (New York: Image Doubleday, 2000) 108-109.