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Precious Memories
Our hearts are touched with tender feelings of joy and sadness as we call to memory
events of our past that we hold dear or that we remember with regret. Our aim in the
thoughts of this article is not to indulge in nostalgia and wishful thinking, but rather to
consider the value of the human memory for protection and safety, for encouragement to
action, for assessment of progress or regression, and for using the accumulation of
knowledge and experience to deal with the present circumstance and to chart a proper
course for our future.
All of us have warm and pleasant memories of things in our past, and all of us are
tormented by certain unpleasant memories that we would gladly erase (but perhaps
shouldn't erase). If we call to mind the things that have succeeded for us, we can use
those experiences to build a surer and stronger life. Consider what a terrible loss we
would experience without both good and bad memories to give us a prod and a jolt.
God's wisdom is seen in this attribute of the human mind. We are warned to beware
lest we forget the warnings and discipline that we have received (Deut. 4: 1-18). Peter
wrote to stir up the memories of the saints lest they forget and become unfaithful (2 Peter
1:12, 13, 15; 3:1). Paul said, "For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but
for you it is safe" (Philippians 3:1). Solomon said, "My son, do not forget my law, but
let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will
add to you" (Proverbs 3: 1 ,2).
How precious is the remembrance of the death of Christ, the price of our salvation!
How priceless is the memorial supper that keeps the memory of the cross fresh in our
minds! (1 Corinthians 11:25; Luke 22:19). Those memories of our own follies and
shameful behavior which we would fain forget constantly help us to be thankful to God
for His forgiveness. If we were to forget our own sins, we might be less thankful, and
what a shame that would be! (Luke 7:36-47; Ephesians 2:11-22).
Paul's remembrance of the love that brethren had manifested served to strengthen him
and to cause him to be the more thankful to God for them (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4;
Philippians 1:3-11). His reminder to the Ephesians elders of his extensive teaching and
warning would serve to strengthen them against apostasy (Acts 20:31). He gently chided
the Thessalonians for not remembering: "Do you not remember that when I was still with
you I told you these things?" (2 Thessalonians 2:5). If we can remember the former
times of faithfulness in time of conflict, it will help us to be strong and not to give up
(Hebrews 10:32-39).
A simple warning like "Remember Lot's wife" can be a sobering thought.
"Remember from whence thou art fallen" calls upon those astray to use their memories as
a means to repentance (Revelation 2:5). Perhaps the most frightening warning is given in
Luke 16, when the rich man was told by Abraham, "Son, remember that in your lifetime
you received your good things" - an indication that memory is not erased by physical
death. What misery it would be to remember eternally the lost opportunities to gain
eternal life! Let us use our capability to remember to the saving of our souls so that with
joy we may remember our obedience and the sure promises of God. Precious indeed are
the good memories of righteousness!
Author: Gilbert Alexander
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