Remembrances are made of these

Besides specific holidays, October is designated as the month of remembrance for many things.

Likely, we all have special memories in October; some glad, some sad. For me, the month includes several special events – starting my first job after college, quitting smoking before my first child’s birth, my first date with Lisa, going to the Balloon Fiesta, and the births of Lisa’s mother and daughter (on the same day of the month) and my first granddaughter.

Some memories should be kept; others are best forgotten. For example, because love keeps no record of wrongs, once we’re forgiven, God completely forgets our past sins (Acts 2:38-39; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8; 1 John 4:7-19; John 15:9-10; Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 10:15-18).

The flip side is we have a hard time forgetting our past sins, despite the promise that godly sorrow brings about repentance that leaves no regret (2 Corinthians 7:10).

The Apostle Paul, who wrote the Corinthians letters by inspiration, knew this well (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Romans 7:14-25). He called himself the worst sinner, but also said he knew he acted with a good conscience (1 Timothy 1:12-17; Acts 23:1).

While God forgets our past sins, Satan continues accusing us to God, who says, “What are you talking about?” and directly reminding us of them hoping we’ll forget we’ve been forgiven and give up on our eternal life (Revelation 12:10-12; 2 Peter 1:3-11).

Christians usually start with a strong faith that could conquer the world (sinful influences) (Luke 8:4-15). To keep from becoming like those in the Parable of the Sower on rocky or thorny ground, we need to go beyond merely hearing the word and continue studying and incorporating it into our hearts (James 1:21-25; 2 Timothy 2:15). Note the good soil was able to produce a good crop. Good crop yields result from a dense, well-managed crop stand that allows the individual plants to compete against weeds (thorns) and other negative influences that will always be present, even among God’s people, which makes Bible study and church attendance (being part of a dense stand) so important (Matthew 13:24-30; 2 Peter 2:1-3; Acts 17:11).

Otherwise, if we don’t increase our knowledge to grow in the Spirit and keep in step with him after crucifying our sinful nature, we won’t become well-grounded or deeply rooted in the faith to keep from being overcome by weeds (reread 2 Peter 1:3-11; then, Galatians 5:22-25; Romans 6:3-11; Ephesians 3:14-20; Colossians 2:6-7).

To remind Christians of his love and forgiveness and that Jesus is coming back to take us to be with him forever, God has given us his word and the Lords’ Supper (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 14:1-3; Hebrews 10:19-31).

So, if you’re a Christian, remember where you came from as a sinner, but also how your forgiveness first came about and that you’re continually forgiven as long as you remain in fellowship with God (1 John 1:5-9). If you’re not a Christian, understand that forgiveness is the greatest feeling and memory one can have.

Leonard Lauriault is a member of the Church of Christ in Logan who writes about faith for the Quay County Sun. Contact him at [email protected].