I’ve recently developed a new appreciation of the concept of keeping something. Usually when we think about keeping the main idea is that we are continuing certain actions or attitudes—“I’m going to keep this dollar” means I have a dollar in hand and I’m not going to give it up. “He keeps calling me” means someone has been calling me and he won’t stop. So the idea of continuance is a big part of keeping something.
There is also a deeper layer of meaning in the concept of keeping. The idea of attentiveness, engagement, good management, and nurturing is connected with keeping. Housekeeping, for example, suggests that you not only own a house but you are managing a household. Or take my favorite hobby, beekeeping. Beekeepers are different from bee-havers. A person may own some hives and not be a beekeeper. A beekeeper studies bees and manages the hives in such a way that the bees are healthy and the honey production is maximized—it can be work!
When the idea of attentiveness and engagement is applied to the concept of keeping a lot a common phrases take on a richer meaning. Are you a person who keeps his word? Are youkeeping your promises? Do you keep the faith?
Jesus had a special promise for keepers: John 8:51—“I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” Keeping the word of Christ implies engagement, attentiveness, careful understanding and application. Let’s commit to being Word-keepers.
May the Lord bless you, and keep you.
Brian
There is also a deeper layer of meaning in the concept of keeping. The idea of attentiveness, engagement, good management, and nurturing is connected with keeping. Housekeeping, for example, suggests that you not only own a house but you are managing a household. Or take my favorite hobby, beekeeping. Beekeepers are different from bee-havers. A person may own some hives and not be a beekeeper. A beekeeper studies bees and manages the hives in such a way that the bees are healthy and the honey production is maximized—it can be work!
When the idea of attentiveness and engagement is applied to the concept of keeping a lot a common phrases take on a richer meaning. Are you a person who keeps his word? Are youkeeping your promises? Do you keep the faith?
Jesus had a special promise for keepers: John 8:51—“I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” Keeping the word of Christ implies engagement, attentiveness, careful understanding and application. Let’s commit to being Word-keepers.
May the Lord bless you, and keep you.
Brian
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