Some news events are of such earth-shaking significance that everything else pales by comparison. Yet, even with these events, the passing of time can result in memory loss as we become conditioned to the circumstances. The same thing can happen in our spiritual lives. The most significant, earth-shaking event of all time occurred at Calvary when Jesus surrendered His life for our sins. Unfortunately, the cross is often overlooked in the day to day struggles of life.
We cannot stress enough the life-changing power of the gospel of Christ. Paul said that he was “not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rm. 1:16). At the heart of the gospel message is the shocking and penetrating account of Christ’s crucifixion. We shudder to think of the cruelty and heartlessness Jesus endured. But, when we realize that Jesus suffered that kind of death for us, we are motivated to surrender our lives to Him. Paul said it this way: “For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf” (2 Cor. 5:14–15). However, as time passes, the image of that sacrifice may fade in our minds. When that happens, the consequences are tragic, for apart from a continual focus on the cross, we cannot sustain loving, heart-felt obedience to God’s will. Where memory fades, regression occurs and we go back to the old life, back to the way things were before we responded to Calvary’s love and back to living for self and sinful pleasures. Peter warned of this danger in 2 Peter 1:9. After listing what we call “the Christian graces,” Peter explains why some were not growing in these traits, saying, “he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.” The spiritually blind are not those who are unable to see with their eyes, but those who are unable to remember with their hearts.
Let us always remember the great cost of our redemption. It cost Jesus His life and it may cost us ours as well. Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). May God help us remember the sacrifice of Jesus and give Him our lives in humble gratitude.
–Glen Elliott–