While I Am Away…Remember!

“Sing praise to the Lord, all his faithful people! Remember what the holy One has done, and give him thanks!”
Psalm 30:4 (GNB)

As we think about all the fear, suffering, death, destruction, misery and grief caused by World War 1, which began a hundred years ago this year, it’s very rewarding to be able to pluck something that is very courageous and meaningful from all the negatives of war.

I found it in a quote that I came across recently and it was in the parting words of a father who was about to leave for France, where he died a short time later.  He was speaking to his children just before he kissed them goodnight, which was really goodbye.  He told them, “Remember while I am away to be kind. Be kind, first of all, to Mummy, and after that be kind to everyone and everything.” What an amazingly beautiful parting gift for those young children.  What a very special thought, a very positive and meaningful piece of advice that they probably remembered for the rest of their lives.

As God’s children we are also required to remember the things that God has brought to our attention through the individuals whom he chose to write the scriptures—people like the Apostle Paul who has written an amazing chunk of the New Testament.  Notice what he brings to our remembrance in Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV): “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

One of the special functions of the Holy Spirit is to bring things to our remembrance. Jesus himself took the time to explain this to his disciples, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I have said to you” (John 14:26 NKJV).

Remembering is very important, especially wise teaching and words of life that will make a vast difference to how we treat each other and everyone else. Again, in the wise and tender words of this father who went off to fight and die in WW1, “Remember while I am away to be kind. Be kind first of all, to Mummy, and after that be kind to everyone and everything.” What an amazingly, beautiful, parting gift!

Prayer
Our kind and generous Father, thank you for all you have given to us, especially the wise words that have been recorded for us in your word.
Amen

Study by Cliff Neill

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About the Author:
Cliff Neill is an Elder in Grace Communion Church Luton.

Local  Congregation:
Grace Communion Church Luton
Farley Hill Methodist Church
North Drift Way
Farley Hill
LUTON
LU1 5JE

Meeting time:
Saturday 10:30am

Local Congregational Contact:
Harry Sullivan Phone:  01908-582222
Email: harry_sullivan@wcg.org.uk