How can we avoid forgetting the Lord as warned in Deuteronomy 6:12? The Heart of the Warning “Be careful not to forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” – Deuteronomy 6:12 Why Forgetfulness Creeps In • Comfort dulls spiritual alertness (Deuteronomy 8:11–14) • Busy schedules crowd out quiet time with God • Prosperity tempts us to credit ourselves instead of the Giver (James 1:17) • Sin’s deceit blinds us to our constant need for grace (Hebrews 3:13) Built-In Safeguards Found Right in Deuteronomy 6 • Love God wholeheartedly (vv. 4–5) • Keep His words on your heart (v. 6) • Teach the next generation diligently (v. 7) • Talk about Scripture through daily routines—sitting, walking, lying down, rising (v. 7) • Place visible reminders on hands, foreheads, doorposts, and gates (vv. 8–9) Practical Ways to Remember Today • Daily Scripture intake—read, meditate, journal, and memorize Psalm 119:11 • Regular thanksgiving lists—“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds” (Psalm 103:2) • Consistent prayer that centers on God’s character before requests • Public worship and communion—“Do this in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:24) • Testimony sharing—rehearse personal rescue stories like Israel’s exodus (Joshua 4:6–7) • Intentional giving and service—acts that redirect affection from self to God (2 Corinthians 9:12–13) • Sabbath rhythms—weekly rest that declares God, not work, sustains life • Accountability and fellowship—“stirring up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24–25) • Visual cues—Scripture art, phone lock-screen verses, or a mezuzah on the doorframe • Written remembrance—keep a journal of answered prayer and providence Watching Over the Heart • Obedience flows from love, not duty: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15) • Humility guards against pride: “You may say in your heart, ‘The power and the strength of my hands have gained this wealth for me.’ … Remember the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 8:17–18) • Ongoing repentance keeps affections tender toward Him (1 John 1:9) Passing the Story Forward • Tell children, grandchildren, and new believers how God saved and is still saving (Deuteronomy 6:7; Psalm 78:3–8) • Celebrate spiritual milestones—baptisms, answered prayers, anniversaries of God’s deliverances • Encourage future faith by recounting past faithfulness (2 Peter 1:12–13) Living in Unbroken Remembrance God rescued Israel from bondage; He rescues believers through Christ’s cross. Regularly rehearsing that redemption—with our minds, mouths, and habits—keeps the heart anchored, so we heed Moses’ call: “Be careful not to forget the LORD.” |
    |