Are you forgetful? If so, you may be relieved to know that everyone forgets things at one time or another. According to research (I would tell you who did the research but I forgot), here are the top six things people tend to forget most often along with the corresponding percentages of those surveyed:
1. Names (83%)
2. Where something is (60%)
3. Telephone numbers (57%)
4. Words (53%)
5. What was said (49%)
6. Faces (42%)
If you cannot remember whether you have just done a particular task, you join 38% of the population. I hope you feel better now.
Yesterday we celebrated one of our nation’s most solemn holidays. Memorial Day is a time to remember the sacrifice made by the brave men and women of our armed forces who fought to keep America free. It’s also a day to remember those we have loved and lost. As we stand beside silent graves, we remember. These loved ones are gone, but they are never forgotten.
Many of the Jewish holidays were established for the express purpose of reminding the generations in Israel of something God wanted them to never forget. For example, every time the Jewish people celebrate Passover they remember how God delivered their nation from Egyptian slavery. The ancient holiday of Purim was observed during my recent trip to Israel. It was moving to watch the Jewish people celebrate a holiday I’ve only read about in the Old Testament book of Esther that dates back some 2,500 years!
Every time we as Christians share the Lord’s Supper we remember Christ’s sacrifice at Calvary. Understanding the human tendency to forget, Jesus ordained the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper and said, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19). As we approach the Lord’s Table we do so with the attitude expressed in the song, “Lest I forget Gethsemane…lead me to Calvary.”
When it comes to some things like telephone numbers or names, forgetfulness may result in a moment of frustration or embarrassment. But may we never forget those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. And may we never, ever forget the One who died to save us from the eternal penalty of sin.
Pastor Todd Weston
1. Names (83%)
2. Where something is (60%)
3. Telephone numbers (57%)
4. Words (53%)
5. What was said (49%)
6. Faces (42%)
If you cannot remember whether you have just done a particular task, you join 38% of the population. I hope you feel better now.
Yesterday we celebrated one of our nation’s most solemn holidays. Memorial Day is a time to remember the sacrifice made by the brave men and women of our armed forces who fought to keep America free. It’s also a day to remember those we have loved and lost. As we stand beside silent graves, we remember. These loved ones are gone, but they are never forgotten.
Many of the Jewish holidays were established for the express purpose of reminding the generations in Israel of something God wanted them to never forget. For example, every time the Jewish people celebrate Passover they remember how God delivered their nation from Egyptian slavery. The ancient holiday of Purim was observed during my recent trip to Israel. It was moving to watch the Jewish people celebrate a holiday I’ve only read about in the Old Testament book of Esther that dates back some 2,500 years!
Every time we as Christians share the Lord’s Supper we remember Christ’s sacrifice at Calvary. Understanding the human tendency to forget, Jesus ordained the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper and said, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19). As we approach the Lord’s Table we do so with the attitude expressed in the song, “Lest I forget Gethsemane…lead me to Calvary.”
When it comes to some things like telephone numbers or names, forgetfulness may result in a moment of frustration or embarrassment. But may we never forget those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. And may we never, ever forget the One who died to save us from the eternal penalty of sin.
Pastor Todd Weston
