Hi
In my last email, I went over the first 5 items of the Greek word mnoneuo from which we get our English word: to remember or be mindful of something. See part 1 at this link: https://gocrossway.org/remember-pt1/
In this email, I’ll finish up the last 6 items of how that Greek word, Mnémoneuó, is used in the New Testament. Remembering something can be a problem for everyone. Even some of you who are younger, with the pressures and chaos in your lives, also know it is true at times. It goes along with the sometimes-true saying: “A clear conscience is a definite sign of a bad memory.” ?
But first, speaking of remembering, Joan wanted to tell you that she now has a list of lists of things to do if a hurricane is coming (over 200 tasks). What to do if evacuating, if staying home, to prepare the house, to prepare for power loss, etc. This is because we know that we will not be able to remember what to do when the time comes without the lists. You may have seen that we were in the path of hurricane Milton. The eye actually came close to us here on the east coast, within about 15 miles. But it was weakened to a category 1 by the time it came, and we slept through it. (We had our eldest daughter, Rachel, and her husband and 4 daughters here visiting and they worked hard to make sure we were prepared.) We did have some minor yard damage. But we thank the Lord for his provision (#2 item on this Mnémoneuó list) and pray for those that had much more damage (#6)
Now, again, we should remember and be mindful of all of God’s Word, but what specifically does the Scriptures say we are to remember? We’re considering the Greek word, Mnémoneuó which occurs 21 times in the New Testament and from which we get our English words memory or memo. It occurs in its verbal form, to remember or be mindful of something. I condensed these 21 occurrences down to a list of 11 items. And here are the remaining 6 items not covered in my last email.
6) Remember those in need
In Acts 20:35 and Galatians 2:10, Paul confirms his help for the needy. It reminds me of our strategy at CrossWay International – Show, Tell and Teach. We endeavor to gain a hearing by meeting the needs of those who are truly in dire straits such as our 400 widows in Kenya or those without access to clean drinking water etc. We show them God’s love by giving them a hand up. Many of you have helped in such endeavors for which we are very grateful. And we can do much more as God provides through your generosity.
7) Remember what life was like before coming to know Christ
In the context of Ephesians 2:11, we are reminded to remember we were once alienated from God having no hope, and without God in the world. But now are made near by the blood of Christ. And we are admonished in Revelation 2:5 to remember our first love when we first came to know Christ. Just imagine where we each would be today without communion with our loving Father.
8) Remember to share your own struggles
a. In Colossians 4:18 we see that Paul was not shy when sharing his own struggles. Some are hesitant to share their difficulties in life with others as they are concerned that some might think that a problem in their life would be viewed with a critical eye. I remember when going blind, I didn’t always want to mention this weakness and ask for prayer. Would they consider this some kind of judgment from God on me? But over time, I realized that God was using my blindness to encourage others who suffer.
b. Paul remembered to pray for others and to encourage them. In 1 Thessalonians 1:3 we read that Paul remembered, without ceasing, their work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. Is there someone we can encourage today for their steadfast walk with the Lord? I have a number of friends who are going through serious life threatening struggles and are such a great example of their faith in God. (Isaiah 26:3)
9) We are to remember those who helped us when we first came to know Christ.
In 1 Thessalonians 2:9,10 Paul reminds the Thessalonians how he dealt with them as a father with his own children in their struggles as an example to them. I have mentioned in previous emails how Lee Patton played a crucial role for me in this way. Who did God provide to help you when you first trusted in Christ?
10) Remember to be watchful for the coming of Christ and the appearance of the anti-Christ
In 2 Thessalonians 2:5, Paul reminds the Thessalonians that the man of lawlessness must be revealed first before the day of the Lord. There was some confusion in the mind of these believers. And in Revelation 3:2, 3 we are urged to remember to be watchful of His return. This helps us to purify our life and live soberly before God.
11) Remember the example of godly leaders and imitate them.
Hebrews 13:7says, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Do you have a mentor, someone to seek advice and give you an objective perspective on questions you might have? And do you imitate them in their consistent walk of faith in Christ?
In closing, let me say that many of you would fit into the positive points above and how God has used you in special ways to help our ministry and me personally. Thank you and know you are in my prayers!
Warmly in Christ,
Dean
