Safety In Reminders

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.  Philippians 3:1

The truth is that everyone of us needs reminders constantly. This is especially true spiritually. We are so prone to forget what we have seen, heard and learned. Often in scriptures, we find things repeated, whether directly or in other words. Paul reminds us that this is safe for us, or for our safety.

The children of Israel we privileged to see and experience the great power and miracle working of their God. However, just a short period after they were miraculously liberated from Egypt, they began to complain and doubt as they were caught between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army. God had to remind them of His power to save them.

Just a few days later, after seeing the mighty hand of God divide the Red Sea, Israel again began to complain about dying of hunger in the desert. How quickly we forget. We constantly need reminded of God’s faithfulness, and also of the dangers that we face in this world.

Paul tells us that This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come (2 Tim 3:1). He is not speaking of the violence and other physical dangers we face today, but rather the spiritual perils.

We are so bombarded by the world today in so  many ways, that we sometimes do not even consider or realize the dangers that might lie in our way. We quickly forget the things that we hear and learn from God’s Word.

The increased availability of information from the internet and other sources means that we have to filter more. There is so much that claims to be spiritual or “Christian,” but is not. We must be able to discern these things, and the only way is to know what God’s Word says. Let us not be taken in by things just because they sound good on the surface.

Another important reminder in God’s Word is this: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25). This one seems to need continual reminding. So many of God’s people have forgotten this.

We need to be reminded continually, and those reminders come from God’s Word. I encourage you to continually study your Bible, and gather with God’s people to study and encourage and remind one another.
Gordon Crook