Forget Not

Often translated “neglect,” the idea of forgetting is often connected to actions or behaviors that too often are abandoned at the cost of lost relationships, abandoned responsibilities, and failure to learn. The extent of neglect is ever-growing in our day, but as Ecclesiastes reminds us, “there is no thing new under the sun.”

The Psalmist declares his commitment in Psalm 119:16b, “I will not neglect your word.” His commitment to the scriptures and the revelation of God is recognized as an important concern for daily attention in order that by focusing upon God’s word to us we might not sin against Him. God has given us instructions that are to be “fully obeyed.”
They are important for our knowledge, our meditation, our living and our thinking.

Paul reminded his younger protégé in ministry with these words, “Do not neglect the gift that is in you…put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:14-15 NRSV). Every spiritual gift which is ours to share is a daily stewardship of our capacities and opportunities for serving our Lord. These gifts should not be neglected or under-utilized.

The writer of Hebrews noted the importance of encouragement of one another in the community of faith. He wrote, “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25 NRSV). Sharing together requires being together and that requires our commitment of time and presence.

As Moses challenged the people of Israel before they entered the Promised Land, he told them, “Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NRSV). We would do well to remember that our God does not forget us. Let us trust Him, follow Him, and serve Him faithfully.