In just a few days we will observe Memorial Day, a holiday commonly associated with family time, BBQs, and the beginning of Summer. This is always a good thing as times of celebration with friends and family are a blessing. But at the same time, it’s worth reflecting on the original intent of the holiday, which was to memorialize the courageous men and women who lost their lives in battle.
The virtuous act of remembering is critical, prompting us to reflect on that which is truly important. And in the case of Memorial Day, we are reminded that life is a gift, freedom is costly, and the sacrifice of others merits our gratitude.
A People Prone to Forget
The virtuous act of remembering is also a scriptural principle referenced many times throughout the Bible, and with good reason. You see, as finite, frail, and often fickle humans, we are prone to forget. And when we do, we are in danger of forgetting what is most important in this life and ultimately eternity.
In the Old Testament, God faithfully provided His people with visual reminders of His laws and covenant promises. And in response, His people set up memorials to remember Him and vowed to live accordingly. But sadly, over time, spiritual amnesia set in, causing God’s people to forget Him time and again.
In the New Testament, Jesus condensed God’s ten laws down to one new commandment. But even with only one commandment, we continue to struggle. Jesus knew this so He sent His Holy Spirit to continually remind us of truth. This is a wonderful benefit indeed, but this does not release us from our personal responsibility to commit to remember.
In my desire to understand the most essential things to remember, I searched the scriptures which resulted in quite a lengthy list. I then summarized this list into four categories, beginning with…
Remember Who God Is
Number one on my list is remembering God as He is first in all things. In fact, He is the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End of everything that is or ever will be (Revelation 22:13). But to be clear, when I speak of remembering God, I am in no way suggesting a mental recollection of historical or scriptural facts about Him.
Instead, and far more precisely, I’m referring to a comprehension, acknowledgment, a realization of who God is. He is God Almighty, God of creation. He is omniscient, omnipresent, all powerful, all wise, never changing, ever present, always loving God. There is no one before Him, beside Him, like Him, or after Him. He is the One and only true God now and forever.
Before the mountains were born,
before you gave birth to the earth and the world,
from beginning to end, [He is] God.
Psalm 90:2 NLT
Truly understanding this is critical to our total wellbeing and here’s why:
- First, remembering God reminds us of who we are and why we exist.
- Second, remembering God provides us with peace as we realize He is Sovereign over all.
- And finally, remembering God reminds us of His forever love and eternal commitment to us.
Remember What Christ Has Done
Next, we must remember what Christ has accomplished for us corporately and individually. Yes, He came to demonstrate God’s love to the entire world, but He also pursued each of us personally. And truly understanding this is vital for so many reasons; foremost it’s foundational to our faith. But additionally, it’s the sole reason we can live with peace, purpose, and hope in the world.
Below I’ve included a list of just some of the many things to remember regarding what Christ has done for us.
Christ:
- Showed us the way to salvation (John 14:6)
- Redeemed and forgave us by grace (Ephesians 1:7)
- Removed our curse (Galatians 3:23)
- Bore our condemnation (John 3:17)
- Secured our peace with God (Romans 5:1) and gave us peace of mind (John 14:27)
- Provided access to God in prayer (John 16:23) and confidence in approaching Him (Hebrews 4:16)
- Empowered us to share the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8)
- Promised to be with [us] now and forever (Matthew 28:20)
Once again, my list merely skims the surface of the many wonderful, praiseworthy things Christ has accomplished on our behalf.
Remember Who You Are
It seems there is a pandemic of mass identity confusion in our world today. The voice of the world speaks loudly and proudly with a message that is false. And the message is this: you are whoever you think you are or desire to be. However, this is simply not true.
The truth is all people were made in the image of God and are precious to Him, and this includes you. Additionally, you are dearly loved by the Father, so much so that He sent His Son to die in your place. You are more than a number in the sea of humanity that Christ came to save. Instead, you are a name, one that Christ the Great Shepherd knows intimately and calls personally.
You are a unique, original and a “some kind of awesome” amazing, incredible person.
Further, you were created in the image of God, belong to Him, and are His child. You are a unique, original and a “some kind of awesome” amazing, incredible person. You are a treasure, and your life has worth and value. Who you are matters. You matter to God. It’s critical to believe this about yourself as it leads to a purposeful, confident, and courageous life.
In those times when you may struggle in believing your worth as a child of God, I suggest you put into practice the virtuous act of remembering by reflecting upon these scriptural truths spoken of you.
You are:
- A masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10)
- An ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20)
- An overcomer (1 John 4:4)
- A conqueror (Romans 8:37)
- A royal priest (1 Peter 2:9)
- An adopted son or daughter (Ephesians 1:5)
- Chosen in Christ (Ephesians 1:4) and
- A member of God’s forever family (Ephesians 2:19)
Remember Why You’re Here
And finally, it’s important to remember why you’re here. And by “here” I am referring to your presence in the world. Contrary to anything you may have heard in the past or potentially have believed to be true of you, the fact is you are not here by some cosmic accident. You’re not here because of the decision of your parents or anyone else for that matter. Instead, your life was planned by God before the world began.
The truth is God ordained that at this precise time in history, you’d be present in the world. In fact, every single detail of your life, including where you live, your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, church community, vocation, trials, victories, hardships, literally everything concerning you was predetermined by God.
And it’s vital to realize this and here’s why–-You see, God’s desire has always been to shine His light, demonstrate His love, and reveal His Truth through ordinary people, people like me and you. Yes you! You are here on assignment from God to represent Him well in this world by accomplishing the “…good things He planned for [you] long ago” (Ephesians 2:10).
So perhaps this Memorial Day weekend, set aside some intentional time reflecting upon the freedoms you enjoy that cost others their lives. Then continue the virtuous act of remembering by thanking God for who He is, what Christ has done. and for your identity and calling as a child of God.
Extend grace to others!
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Community Question of the Week
Please also consider sharing your response to the question with other Grace Notes for You subscribers HERE.
Has there been a time in your life when remembering an aspect of God’s character brought you peace in the midst of a storm, joy in a time of trial, or faith in the seemingly impossible?
Reflect
In Lamentations 3:19-24, the prophet Jeremiah transitions from a place of total despair to that of restored hope through the virtuous act of remembering. Read through this passage and consider writing or reciting a prayer of your own beginning with, “Yet I still dare to hope when I remember…”
Pray
Father God, thank You for your great love towards us. You are faithful in all your ways and You are always true to your Word. Thank You for Your covenant promises to provide, protect, guide, lead, and counsel us. Thank You for the promise of Your presence at all times and in all places. Today and everyday we choose to remember and honor You. You are a great God, and we love You forever. Amen.
