Keywords in our life will lead us to the keystone
Scripture reading: Matthew 16:13-19. Text: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I WILL GIVE YOU THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:18-19. In biblical times, already keys were important and had been used symbolically, too, please read: Isaiah 22:22 and 33:6, also Luke 11:52, Revelation 3:7, 9:1, and 20:1. In our English language the word: “KEY” combined with another word offers special meanings, like keyboard, keynote, keystone, and keyword.
According to the dictionary, KEYWORD means: “a word that serves as a key, as to the meaning of another word,” and KEYSTONE denotes: “the wedged-shaped piece at the summit of an arch, regarded as holding the other pieces in place.”
KEYWORDS IN OUR DAILY LIFE THAT EVENUALLY WILL LEAD US TO THE KEYSTONE.
In the real estate profession the keyword is: LOCATION, and among the musicians: PRACTICE. Let us see which words could be used as keywords and why are they good to point to the core or essence of a segment of our life. I wish to mention only a few in certain fields, knowing that you can find and add more.
In our SPIRITUAL LIFE these are the most important words: salvation, repentance, forgiveness, faith, hope, (divine) love, grace, and spirit.
In our FAMILY we would not be able to live without these: harmony, respect (love), empathy, patience, understanding, and cooperation.
In SPORT – I am sure your coach will agree: winning, teamwork, rules, fair play, and training.
In BUSINESS, these are expected to be honored (and not necessarily practiced by everyone): honesty, decency, loyalty, dependency, diligence, and profit.
Concerning our COUNTRY and COMMUNITY consider these words: patriotism and taxes, without them no nation will survive; and in every community the citizens should be friendly, supporting (each other), compassionate, and participating (volunteers).
IF WE AGREE ON THESE KEYWORDS, THEN HOW DOES OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE HELP HONORING THEM?
The very first question is: are these keywords and what they specify CONNECTED to each other? Is it possible to be a faithful family man (or woman) and be dishonest in business? Can a decent father encourage his son to cheat in sport? (Steroids!) Does extra profit justify misleading statement for a professional who attends church regularly? Is a good patriot expected to file an honest income tax return?
If just one part of our lives (family, social, political, economical, or spiritual) will start to disintegrate, will that part contaminate and ruin the others?
Where will basic principles begin and from where will the most important convictions originate? Where do you spend most of your time and who will influence you positively? I would dare to say that family life will affect your sportsmanship and not vice versa. Not the profit in business will make you kneel down to pray, but prayer will encourage you to be honest in business.
Many of our leaders see the solution to our moral problems in more and better EDUCATION. I respectfully disagree, at least partially. More education may result in more sophisticated cheaters; please think of identity theft, double dipping, hackers (computer criminals and white-collar crimes). We need people who not only know more but are also more honest, decent, faithful, and dedicated.
A few verses from the Bible will become the KEYSTONE in our MORAL and SPIRITUAL LIFE – and I am convinced that these two are strongly interwoven:
– “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23. “So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” Acts of
– Apostles 24:16. (Statement made by Apostle Paul.)
– Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy: “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 1 Timothy 1:5.
– “Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.” Hebrews 13:18.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.