Photo by Chad Madden on Unsplash

It’s June, and we’re sandwiched between two big days of remembering.

  • Memorial Day – We remember those who gave their lives in defense of our country.
  • Independence Day – We remember the path to democracy and the freedoms we gained.

Our behavior is driven by what we remember. Unfortunately, I don’t think enough people are taking the time to remember what July 4th commemorates and what we gained, and that is evident in the violence, protests, and disdain for our country.

We would do well to frequently remember the past. I’m not talking about remembering where you last had your car keys or phone, or how to solve a quadratic equation. I’m referring to intentionally thinking back and reflecting on events in the past. In your past.

  • I enjoy thinking back on the years of dating, engagement, and early marriage. When my wife and I talk and reflect on those things, it only deepens my love and commitment to my wife.
  • I like to look back on my early years of ministry. There is, of course, a fondness and even sentimentality toward those early years, but even more, the remembering and reflecting reminds me of the mistakes I made, the grace I’ve been shown, and the way God has grown me through all those experiences.
  • Ever had one of those dreams in which you’re late to class, you’re in your jammies, and you have a final exam to take that you are totally unprepared for? OK, so maybe it’s just me, but there’s this panic that sets in. I’m not going to graduate! But as the dream progresses, this thought enters the story: “Wait a minute. I’ve already graduated from high school. In fact, I’ve finished college. They can’t take my diploma away!” When I remember, the whole dream changes.

We benefit when we remember.

When God miraculously brought the Israelites out of Egypt, He made a covenant with them, and that covenant called for their obedience. To guide their obedience, God gave them Ten Commandments. I don’t know if many Israelites thought God was being a killjoy with these rules, but a lot of people today think that. But if we think that God is trying to keep us oppressed, we miss the whole motive behind these laws: God loves us and wants a relationship with us, and by following these ten rules, we experience life in the fullest.

How do I know that? God said as much in His preface to the Ten Commandments. Right before He uttered the first “thou shalt not,” He said,

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery” (Ex. 20:2).

God was reminding them of what He had done for them. They were in a pitiful, dire position, far from their homeland, and slaving away in harsh conditions with no freedoms or joys whatsoever. God was faithful to His promise to their ancestors.

“Then the Lord said to Abram, ‘Know this for certain: Your offspring will be resident aliens for four hundred years in a land that does not belong to them and will be enslaved and oppressed. However, I will judge the nation they serve, and afterward they will go out with many possessions.’” (Gen. 15:13-14).

God loved His people. He is the One who delivered them. He is the One who set them free. His love for them and faithfulness to them was behind His actions.

  • Photo by Bermix Studio on Unsplash

    When the temptation to worship before other gods presented itself, remember which God loves you and rescued you!

  • When the temptation to adultery and sexual immorality provides you the opportunity to sin, remember the pure and holy God who rescued you from slavery and wants to keep you free from slavery to sexual sin. The call to purity comes from the One who is pure and calls you into a pure, loving relationship with Him.
  • When the temptation to steal or covet comes knocking, remember the One who loves you and wants you to rest contentedly in Him.

Just like the Israelites, we would benefit greatly when we take the time to reflect and remember all that God has done for us. He seeks our best. He gave us His best—His son, Jesus Christ—so He will not withhold anything else from us.

“He did not even spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything?” Rom. 8:32).

Remember all God has done for you. Remember what He has delivered you from. Remember how far He has brought you. And let that drive your behavior. Let that drive you to fall before Him in submission, adoration, and trust.

Remember.

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