The Sin of Forgetfulness
Originally it was called Decoration Day, first observed three years after the end of the Civil War. On May 5, 1868, John Logan, issued a proclamation from his Washington, D.C. office telling Americans to celebrate “Decoration Day” on May 30. He urged them to decorate Civil War graves with the “choicest flowers of springtime.” It is a reminder of who we owe for the freedoms we still enjoy.
We are free to remember those who have given their lives that we may live under the flags of freedom. On this coming Monday, May 29, 2023, we will remember the men and woman who have given their lives that we might be free from the cruelties of oppression. Beyond the politics that cloud the day, it is a time to thank God.
We also remember our parents, those who have died, as well as those who still live among us, for all that they have done that we might live as we do. It is said that many believe their children will not live as we do today. Still we all live with the hope that they will be given the opportunity to be able to express their lives in meaningful ways to those whom they live in relationship with.
When we receive Holy Communion at the altar, we are told to do this “In Remembrance of Me.” Jesus said those words that all those who partake of the sacrament might remember that He died for us. If we accept and remember what He has done for us, He has promised that when we die He will take us to heaven to live forever with him there.
Forgetfulness ultimately becomes a lethal spiritual disease. The Apostle Peter pleads with his readers to be disciplined in remembering what Christ has done for us. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 2 Peters 1:5-9
A faithful citizen does not remain so when he/she forgets the cost of freedom. A faithful child does not remain so when contempt blurs the memories of their parents. And a Christian does not remain faithful when he/she forgets the cost Christ paid for his/her life. The Apostle Paul was well aware of the effect Christ had on his life. From a persecutor of Christians to a faithful apostle of Christ, Paul passed that passion on to his young Christian friend, Timothy.
Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 2 Timothy 2:14
Paul wrote the following to his Christian friends in Rome.
Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me. Romans 15:15
At the very end of his life, Paul wrote the following. Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 2 Timothy 2:8
