"Fringes" to help us remember obedience

I occasionally warn that I am not a trained theologian. I hope that what I write here conforms with Biblical doctrine, but I encourage readers to seek independent guidance on these matters.

With that disclaimer aside, Numbers 15:38-39 (KJV) includes God's instructions, delivered via Moses, that the people attach spiritual reminders to their clothes. Those verses read,

Bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments ... And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eye.

Modern translations usually render the word "fringe" as "tassel." The point is that the ancient Israelites used those fringes, always on their clothes, to remain focuses on spiritual matters.

We can do this in modern times as well. Those "fringes" may take many possible forms: crucifix necklaces, prayer beads, and pocket Bibles, just to name a few possibilities. Modern smartphones offer many options, as well, including prayer reminders, spiritually-theme background images, Bible apps, etc.

Now the reason for the aforementioned disclaimer is that some people see such reminders as violating the second commandment's prohibition against "graven images." And maybe they're right, although I think the second commandment's real prohibition is "Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them."

So I think such reminders are beneficial, so long as they don't displace God, but rather direct us toward him.