Remember Who You Are

I don’t remember when I first heard it. But I remember who said it. And where I heard it.

Dee Bowman was preaching in a gospel meeting where I was located. In the course of his sermon on Christian Living, he related advice that he gave to his son, Russ, when he was a teenager and would leave the house with his friends.

“Remember who you are.”

Dee then repeated that advice to all of us. “Remember who you are. And with vocal emphasis and a pregnant pause, he firmly said–“Christian.”

That thought seemingly came into my mind the other day from nowhere.. However, I think it’s the result of thinking about issues of legacy. Family. Faithfulness. And fidelity to the Lord.

The Bible writers offer words of encouragement along these lines in a variety of ways.

Young people are admonished to “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth” (Eccl. 12:1). In an age of skepticism, doubt and rejection of God’s Divine nature, it’s important to remember who you are. An creature created in God’s very own image. After his likeness. And formed and fashioned for a life of holiness. Let’s instill in our children and grandchildren who they are.

Faithful Christians are exhorted by Peter to use their mental faculties to remember who they are as a motivation to grow stronger spiritually. ”Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance” (2Peter 1:12-13).

Likewise, Paul made a similar appeal to the Ephesian Shepherds, “Remember the words of the Lord Jesus” (Ax. 20:35). Though he offered a specific quote, “It’s more blessed to give than receive,” in a general sense when we remember Jesus’ words it helps us remember who we are.

The ability to remember spiritual truths is vitally important to our daily walk with Christ and our continued faithfulness. Sadly, some fail to remember who they are. Why they became a Christian. How to remain faithful. And what they need to do to return.

Years after Paul’s appeal, John wrote to the church at Ephesus and charged them with having left their first love. He then penned this sobering challenge and warning.

“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent” (Rev. 2:5-6).

The ability to remember spiritual truths is vitally important to our daily walk with Christ and our continued faithfulness.

In our recent travels, we’ve been blessed to reconnect with many fine young couples who we knew as college students. They’ve grown spiritually. Married. Are raising a family. And making significant contributions to the family of God. They know who they are.

Unfortunately , however, we learn of those who’ve fallen away. They may have fallen prey to the lusts of the flesh. Or led astray by false doctrine. Others have allowed materialism to become their god. And then some have just quit. Only the Lord knows why. Often these young people came from the families of pastors, preachers and Christian parents who instilled in them spiritual values. But, they’ve forgotten who they are.

In all cases I would call on those who strayed away to “remember who you are.” Remember the joy of Faith. Remember the love of God. Remember the sacrifice of Jesus for your sins.

Remember the fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ who cared for you. Remember, there are those now who remember you. They care and pray for you.

Remember that godly mother or father, who taught you about Jesus from infancy through adolescence. Remember that saintly grandmother or grandfather who left you a legacy of faith and faithfulness–ancestors who bequeathed to you a priceless spiritual heritage which has blessed unknown numbers of people.

When you’re filled with doubts and fears, remember the surety of God’s promises.

When Satan whispers in your ear tempting you to enjoy an illicit pleasure, remember sin’s consequences.

When human secular philosophy appears reasonable, remember God’s Truth.

When a new religious doctrine appears appealing, remember to ask for the Old Paths.

When you feel lonely, isolated, and discouraged, remember God knows. He sees. He hears. He cares. He’s your refuge.

When the burdens of life are pressing you down, remember Jesus came to bear them.

In short, “Remember who you are.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preaherman