See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame (1 Peter 2:6).

In ancient times, cornerstones were critical to correctly orienting a structure.  Today we have all the tools and technologies needed to build structure without the need for cornerstones.  If a modern building has a cornerstone, it’s purely decorative.  

We still talk a lot about cornerstones. A CEO might say, “This is the cornerstone of our company.” An engineer might declare that “This technology is the cornerstone of our invention.” Often people will talk about their own personal cornerstones.  

As I reflect on my life, I see how I’ve adopted many different cornerstones depending on where I was in life, who I thought I was, or even how I wanted others to see me.  I’m sure I believed my cornerstone was orienting me the “right” way.  Looking back, it’s clear I was often backwards and rarely right side up. Like a cornerstone in a modern building, mine were all purely decorative.

My faulty cornerstones impacted how I saw, judged, and treated people. Most of these impacts are things I’m ashamed of, unfortunately.

Now I can understand why Peter takes the time to expand on the critical importance of Jesus as our cornerstone.  He’s the foundation that orients me in this world.  “The one who trusts in him will never be put to shame”: Being aligned to Jesus is what takes away things like that shame I feel in how I previously saw and treated people.

When I trust Jesus as my cornerstone, I avoid the shame of accepting the labels this world puts on other people. I avoid using those labels myself.  I see people as Jesus sees them. My love is an extension of the love Jesus has for everyone.

When I trust Jesus as my cornerstone, I avoid the shame of falling to the temptations and addictions of this world.  I see the beautiful things Jesus has put in front of me. I accept the invitation to be guided by his Spirit towards them.

When I trust Jesus as my cornerstone, I avoid the shame of compromising my beliefs for worldly gain or power.  I can live within bureaucracies and governments of this world. I know the joy of my true King, Jesus.

When I trust in Jesus as my cornerstone, I’m aligned to his purpose. I will never be put to shame.

Are there areas in your life, both past and present, where feelings of shame still permeate? Think deeply about how Jesus can be your cornerstone, how he can align you to take away your shame and orient you in the direction that his Spirit is guiding you.  Trust in him.