Remembering
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy.” Philippians 1.3, 4
As a youngster, I enjoyed watching the westerns. Even though times were quite different, the shows suggested that right prevailed and the hero lived to makes things right another day. I suppose one of the longest running shows ever on TV was Gunsmoke. I don’t know how many times the main characters were shot, but I’m certain enough lead was fired in their direction that, had it been all piled in one place, it could have filled the bed of a standard pickup truck.
One of my favorite actors was Robert Conrad in “The Wild, Wild West.” Along with his secret service partner, Artemus Gordon, they always seemed to be properly prepared for whatever the bad guy could throw at them. I think fondly of those two along with James Garner in “Support Your Local Sheriff” and “Support Your Local Gunfighter.” Clean movies along with concerns for right and wrong.
Granted, some won’t agree with my assessment, but that’s okay. One of my favorite moments from the past is a scene from “The Rifleman,” starring Chuck Connors. On one occasion, the two were riding off and Mark (Lucas McCain’s son) looked back over his shoulder. His dad said, “Son, you shouldn’t look back.” To which Mark replied, “I wasn’t looking back; I was remembering back.”
Time seems to have a way to either sweeten or embitter our memories of people, places and events.
Paul states that when he remembered the Philippians, he did so with delight. I am certain that there were some who must have caused him grief and pain. I am certain that there were some who would have elicited less than pleasant memories.
We have all been there. Looking back may cause us emotional, and even spiritual, setbacks. As we look back, we may have regrets for actions taken or words spoken. As we look back, we see faces of those who have slandered and bullied.
Just as Mark McCain told his father that he wasn’t looking back, but he was remembering back, we should consider his wisdom. The word “remembrance,” which Paul uses suggests an intentional recital of something. In this case, when Paul remembers the Philippians, he intentionally remembers things for which he is thankful. It in no way suggests that the Philippians were perfect. But the word does suggest a determined focus on things which we recognize as being good and within God’s sovereign will.
Remembering back, Paul evoked memories of those things that were pleasant and blessings.
As you remember back, what is it that fills your mind? How do you remember those who have offended you? What memories control your attitude? Do you look back with regrets or do you remember back seeing the blessings of God?
With your friends, do you look back at difficult decisions or do you remember back at how close you have been? In your marriage, do you look back and see problems or do you remember back at the sweetness you realized in your earlier relationship? In your church, do you look back and ponder the times when you were snubbed, or do you remember back to Calvary and the Christ whom your church represents?
While on the Cross in excruciating pain, our Savior said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23.34) He remembered back to eternity past and considered His purpose for being there and was thankful for those He redeemed.
One of my favorite actors was Robert Conrad in “The Wild, Wild West.” Along with his secret service partner, Artemus Gordon, they always seemed to be properly prepared for whatever the bad guy could throw at them. I think fondly of those two along with James Garner in “Support Your Local Sheriff” and “Support Your Local Gunfighter.” Clean movies along with concerns for right and wrong.
Granted, some won’t agree with my assessment, but that’s okay. One of my favorite moments from the past is a scene from “The Rifleman,” starring Chuck Connors. On one occasion, the two were riding off and Mark (Lucas McCain’s son) looked back over his shoulder. His dad said, “Son, you shouldn’t look back.” To which Mark replied, “I wasn’t looking back; I was remembering back.”
Time seems to have a way to either sweeten or embitter our memories of people, places and events.
Paul states that when he remembered the Philippians, he did so with delight. I am certain that there were some who must have caused him grief and pain. I am certain that there were some who would have elicited less than pleasant memories.
We have all been there. Looking back may cause us emotional, and even spiritual, setbacks. As we look back, we may have regrets for actions taken or words spoken. As we look back, we see faces of those who have slandered and bullied.
Just as Mark McCain told his father that he wasn’t looking back, but he was remembering back, we should consider his wisdom. The word “remembrance,” which Paul uses suggests an intentional recital of something. In this case, when Paul remembers the Philippians, he intentionally remembers things for which he is thankful. It in no way suggests that the Philippians were perfect. But the word does suggest a determined focus on things which we recognize as being good and within God’s sovereign will.
Remembering back, Paul evoked memories of those things that were pleasant and blessings.
As you remember back, what is it that fills your mind? How do you remember those who have offended you? What memories control your attitude? Do you look back with regrets or do you remember back seeing the blessings of God?
With your friends, do you look back at difficult decisions or do you remember back at how close you have been? In your marriage, do you look back and see problems or do you remember back at the sweetness you realized in your earlier relationship? In your church, do you look back and ponder the times when you were snubbed, or do you remember back to Calvary and the Christ whom your church represents?
While on the Cross in excruciating pain, our Savior said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23.34) He remembered back to eternity past and considered His purpose for being there and was thankful for those He redeemed.
Copyright © 2024 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/