Never Forget

By Paul Chappell

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Psalm 103:1-5

On May 5, 1868, General John Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic issued a proclamation that "Declaration Day" should be observed across the country to honor those who had died during the Civil War. Flowers and flags were placed at gravesites in cemeteries across the country on May 30 that year. As the years passed the annual observance grew and became a national holiday. Today we know this celebration as Memorial Day; a time to honor and remember those who have given their lives for our freedom.

As Americans, we have great privileges and freedom because of the high price that has been paid by heroes of the past and present. As Christians, we have even greater privileges and freedom because of the high price paid by Jesus for our salvation. It is vitally important that we never forget the many good things that God does for us each day nor the cost that was required for the benefits we enjoy.

There is a real danger when we enjoy great blessings that we can begin to take them for granted and think that we deserve them. Moses issued a serious warning to the children of Israel about this very problem: "beware lest thou forget the LORD" (Deuteronomy 6:12). The more God does for us, the more grateful we should be. Just as we rightly set aside a day to honor our nation's heroes, we should also take time to give thanks to God for our spiritual liberty and His many benefits to us.

Today's Rooted Principle:

Never forget the freedom that was purchased for you by Jesus Christ.