THINKING ABOUT YOU!

“Remember Jesus Christ...” 2 Timothy 2:8

Honest confession I have told very few people: I once forgot about a guy I was dating. We met in college and had been going out for several months. One weekend I went on a trip to visit a friend in school out of state. Rob headed to a different state to visit family. We promised to bring each other a souvenir from our travels. Well, my out of state friend was a guy, a really awesome guy, whom I really was just friends with, with whom I had a very fun just friends weekend, but I will admit that not once during the whole time, did Rob ever cross my mind. In fact, I didn’t remember Rob or his souvenir until he called Monday evening to ask what time would be good to pick me up so we could have dinner and he could give me my prize! Thank goodness for the sports store in the mall where I was able to quickly dash and buy a keychain of the pro sports team close to the town I had visited! (I know some of you are appalled at this story. Others are laughing!)

Not remembering Rob and his gift seem funny (now!) but forgetting something or someone important is no laughing matter. Perhaps this is why Paul told Timothy to “remember Jesus Christ.” That almost seems absurd. Of course, we’re going to remember Jesus! But do we really? And how often do we really remember Him?

What does it even mean to “remember” someone? It means to think about that person and to have our actions and attitudes based upon him/her. We remember our children – we think about them throughout the day, and as result, we do things we wouldn’t do if they weren’t important to us. We buy Fruit Loops at the Publix, we hand wash the uniform they need for the evening, we drive to their schools and pick them up.

What does it mean to remember Jesus? It means to think of Him and to base our actions and attitudes on Him. It means we say “Thank You!” as He provides – whether it’s quick lunch at home or the funds to cover a medical bill. It means we hold our tongue when we want to say something unkind. It means we go out of our way to share encouraging words or a timely touch. It means we smile up to Him and snuggle in His love as He delights us with a stunning sunrise or a refreshing fall breeze. It means we listen as He talks to us in the Bible and we answer back in prayer.

When Paul told Timothy to “Remember Jesus Christ…,” he used a verb tense which indicates the action should be repeated continually. The actual definition is “Keep on recalling again and again.” We live hurried lives in a busy world. Our minds are filled with thoughts of responsibilities, appointments, and expectations. Of need-to-dos, have-to-dos, and want-to-dos. God knows all that. But He also knows that we will best function and be the most fulfilled when we focus on Him first.

Remember Jesus. Think of Him lots. Talk with Him much. Love Him most. Enjoy Him best.

I can guarantee He won’t forget your prize!


Time For A Little R&R

RECOGNIZE
Who do you find yourself thinking about most throughout each day?
How often does Jesus cross your mind?

RESPOND
Set your timer or watch to beep ever hour. Remember Jesus as it goes off and say thanks.