How many passwords are required?

In the day and age of the internet there is something you can’t do without. It is a necessary safeguard called the personal password.

An online password is required for transactions with your bank, communication services, cable or DISH provider, or any business that takes a credit card.

I don’t know about you, but I find this whole process of creating and keeping a password to be quite maddening.

For some websites, they may require creating a password that is from eight to 24 characters, include at least one capital letter, a number, and a symbol like “@,” “&,” or “%.”

On some websites, after you choose a password, you may be graded on just how well you’ve done. If your password is too simple, making it more vulnerable to hackers, it will tell you that it is “weak.” If you make it complicated, you may be told that it is “very strong.” Unfortunately, I have found that the stronger the password the more difficult it is to remember.

On top of all this, it is recommended that you do not use the same password for other places of business. Also, you are urged to change it periodically.

I have lost track of how many passwords I have used. I have no idea. I don’t know how many times I have forgotten my password for one of my email accounts, Facebook, or online nurseries that I only infrequently use. This whole thing drives me nuts.

Yes, there may be a “save password” feature, but I often find myself away from my own computer. So, that proves to be useless.

Thankfully, as a Christian, there is a single password. It isn’t complicated. It is not between eight and 24 characters. It has no special characters. I never change it. It is also easy to remember. The password is “Jesus,” and it is one that I will not keep a secret.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for more than 25 years.