February 2024
Lest We Forget
B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO
Each one of us experiences events in our lives that significantly impact our thoughts and emotions. While these can be joyful or tragic, it is common for people to create some sort of reminder so that they never forget. When joyful, it is a celebration of thankfulness. When tragic, it is a remembrance of loss or pain. Be it joyful or tragic, there is a common element to both scenarios. Over time, the level of joy or pain one experiences in the moment can be easily forgotten. Let’s take Christmas, for example. Just one month ago, we celebrated the birth of our Savior. Most have already settled back into regular schedules and the significance of what was celebrated has passed. In a few short months, we will once again remember the most significant event in history, the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. For many, it will be much of the same, a short celebration and back to their normal routine. Do you think things would be different if we were alive to witness these events? History answers this question time and time again.
I have always been intrigued by the story of the Israelites in the wilderness on their way to the Promise Land. They were delivered from slavery in Egypt and witnessed miracle after miracle. From the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) to bread from heaven (Exodus 16:3-35) and even water from a rock (Exodus 17:1-7), they experienced God’s provision countless times. However, they found themselves in a cycle of amazement, followed by thankfulness, but ending in forgetfulness. Eventually they ended up complaining and doubting God’s ability to provide and protect despite what they witnessed with their own eyes. Even in the modern day, we are no different than the Israelites or any other group of people for that matter. It is incredibly easy to fall into the same cycle despite what we have witnessed in our own lives and what we know is true about God’s love.
Romans 8:38-39 (NLT) says, “And I am convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The Apostle Paul understood that God’s love has no end. Our history, forgetfulness, and mistakes will not keep us from God’s love. However, the fact that God’s love is always available does not mean that there is no accountability or responsibility for those who choose to have a relationship with Him. In fact, the very opposite is true.
Any relationship comes with responsibilities. Our relationship with God is no different. James 1:22-25 says, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only Fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.” This passage does not say, “you should do” it says, “you must do.” It is true that the incredible power and love that God offers is available to all. However, we shouldn’t expect to receive the benefits of God’s love without obedience. Psalms 37:23 (NKJV) reinforces this principle when it says, “the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his ways.” We have an opportunity to break the cycle of forgetfulness of what God has done for us, by growing our relationship with Him.
Challenge: Don’t fall into the normal cycle of forgetfulness as it will only lead to doubt and dissatisfaction. Never forget that God’s love is eternal and available to all. Don’t fool yourself by listening to God’s word and not obeying. Rather, apply it to your life and step into the security and power of His love.
Published: February 1, 2024
