by Robert C. Veil, Jr.
I visited with a special someone who is struggling with his memory. It’s hard for me to put
into words how sad this is for me personally. Especially when I know about the many varied and
important things he used to have at his instant recall. I used to say I would rather lose my mental
faculties than my physical health, but I don’t say that anymore.
Memory is a great gift, on loan from God. God advises us to start at a very early age, making
our memories good ones, (Ecclesiastes 12:1ff). I have a very old sermon which I have preached in
one form or another many times, and in many places. It is entitled, “Son, Remember.” In that
sermon, I attempt to make the point that sometimes we have the choice as to what our memories
in old age will be, and we should strive diligently to make our memories good ones. What will you
remember in your old age?
It’s interesting to speak with elderly people, and let them go on about their memories of
younger days. Many of them remember passages of Scripture. In fact, the last words that many
people speak on this earth are quotations of Scriptures they memorized long ago. I have no way of
proving this, but I would venture to say that the most common words heard on deathbeds in
America go something like this, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…”
What we memorize at an early age sticks with us. It becomes embedded into our
consciousness, and then later rises to the surface without effort. A special line of poetry, an address
or phone number, the name of a loved one—these are anchors of who we are. When old age and
dementia rob us of the numerous facts and figures we formerly commanded, sometimes these
precious memories abide till the last. Incidentally, I still remember the address and phone number
of the house in Virginia in which I grew up as a child.
I’m glad our Bible school teachers are encouraging our young people to memorize scriptures.
Like the girls in the above pictures, Penelope and Harper, these children are receiving treasures
which will enrich them above measure in their later lives. They won’t forget these verses. What
will you remember?
Two weeks ago I wrote an article for the bulletin on how to memorize Scripture. I encourage
you to go back and reread that article. If you are teaching young people, or if you are influencing
some young people in your life, there are some real opportunities and techniques laid out there.
Don’t underestimate their ability to accurately commit God’s word to memory.
In addition to scriptures, I think we will also remember the small acts of kindness shown to
us along life’s way. I remember the encouragement given to me after preaching my earliest
sermons. I remember specific things that were said. I remember smiles and pats on the back. And
I remember gestures of goodwill and support for me at times in my life when I really needed them.
Don’t forget to show kindness and hospitality to others, because those are the things people
remember. “Forget not to show love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels
unawares,” (Hebrew 13:2).
I remember times when people showed interest in being my friend – times when they let me
know that they wanted to be around me. People who love other people are memorable, so don’t
forget to show your love for others, (Matthew 22:39). Remember that people don’t care how much
you know until they know how much you care – and they will remember that forever.
I remember great sermons, and the way I felt when I heard them. And I remember godly
men and women who made me want to be like them. Say friend, what will you remember?
