Lest We Forget - Martin Wiles

Forgetting what we want or terribly need to remember is a horrible thing.

I once chaperoned an eighth-grade trip to Washington, DC. Memorials reign high on the list of things to visit because they are constructed to help future generations remember a particular person or event.

While not the most popular memorial, for me, the Korean War Memorial ranks as the most interesting. The artist majored on the number thirty-eight. Thirty-eight was the number of the parallel that divided North and South Korea. It was also the number of months affected by the war. A problem arose, however, when trying to place thirty-eight life-size soldiers on the designated plot of land, which had only enough room for nineteen. The artist decided to design a reflective wall. When looking at the wall, one can see thirty-eight soldiers trudging through terrain representative of Korea instead of the actual nineteen there. Problem solved. Statement made.

Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. 

~Deuteronomy 8:11 NLT

Memorial Day is the day when America remembers military personnel who have died while serving their country. The holiday originated as Decoration Day, which a group of Union veterans established. Eventually, competing Union and Confederate holiday traditions merged into one and were celebrated together.

God also likes memorials and repeatedly warned his Old Testament people not to forget him or the things he had done for them. In Israel’s history, they needed to recall his delivering them from four hundred years of Egyptian slavery. For Christians, the big unforgettable deliverance is Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

For years, I’ve worn paraphernalia with Christian symbols on them—mainly the cross. Since I got in on the tail end of the hippie movement, wearing jewelry came naturally. From necklaces with crosses to watches, bracelets, key rings, and shirts with the same, I’ve worn it all—except earrings. Needles never attracted me.

While jewelry and other clothing articles with Christian symbols can make good witnessing and conversation starters, our lifestyle is a better memorial to the difference Christ has made. Symbols mean little without actions, attitudes, and words to back them up. Just as America’s war memorials would mean nothing if we cast aside our love for freedom and our appreciation for those who bought it.

Americans remember their military dead with a holiday. Build something that will help others remember what Christ has done for you.

Father, may I never forget the sacrifice you have made for us through your Son, Jesus Christ. 

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