One of the best indicators of spiritual maturity is a good memory—how well do we recall, on a regular and practical basis, God’s mercies to us? Repeatedly in Deuteronomy Moses says, “Remember … do not forget.” During the first “last” supper, Jesus said, “Do this in my memory.”
Being outside the church context reminds me of the urgency of our mission.
As a spiritual leader, one of my chief tasks is reminding people to remember. Remember how good it was to confess your sins and experience forgiveness? To worship when nothing is held back? To have fellowship with other believers? It is the positive memory of those experiences that is the incentive to trust God and live sacrificially for him.
Those whom I regard as spiritually mature seem to consistently and enthusiastically recall what God has done for them. Inviting people to remember God’s mercies is one of the most important ways we can spur others to growth in Christ.
-Ray Lubeck, professor of Bible at Multnomah University and a teaching elder at Endeavor Church, Portland, Oregon.
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