REMEMBER
Matthew 26:69-75
The human brain is configured to receive information, analyze them, utilize those considered useful at the moment and store the remaining in the Memory Bank for future use or reference. When the need arises, the brain brings the stored information up to one’s memory and that is when one is said to have remembered. When you remember, you act as you should on the matter brought to your remembrance.
The opposite of remembrance is to forget. You can’t act or respond to what you have forgotten. The case of Simon Peter here is instructive. Earlier, the Lord had warned him that he would deny him thrice before the cock crowed. He had the information, but he didn’t put it in his consciousness. If he had, he would have resisted the challenge of denying his Lord and Saviour. By the time he remembered, the deed was done!
In the same vein we take certain actions or do not take them based on what we remember or do not remember. What you have in your consciousness will dictate your response or reaction to situations that you encounter on a daily basis. Your Memory Bank must be a positive influence on your thought life, speech and action. As you age everyday, we would love you to put certain things in remembrance always. They will guide you in your daily walk with God and with man. We will look at them in the next few days.
The first we are considering is this: remember that you are a receiver, not an achiever. In Luke 17:11-19, we see how Jesus healed ten lepers and only one returned on a note of gratitude. And Jesus asked a crucial question: WHERE ARE THE OTHER NINE? As already stated, you must always remember that you are a receiver rather than an achiever. While an achiever believes he accomplished on his own by his own prowess, a receiver knows that he owes it to somebody. You must note that “a person can receive only what is given them from heaven”, (John 3:27). No matter what you have or accomplish this year, and in fact for your remaining years, know that it is from God. Therefore, you must learn to be grateful to him for everything. You must not imbibe the entitlement mentality of ungrateful people. Such people believe they are entitled to whatever they achieve and have no need to glorify God.
Your gratitude shows your humility. You acknowledge that it is not you but God. Without him, you can’t be where you are today. Are there not many more qualified people who are still praying to be where you are or have what you are? Be grateful like the Samaritan leper here and you will move from one miracle to another all through life.
PRAYER: Think and thank.
