Memorials and keeping records are meaningful ways we remember the important moments of our lives. I wonder if you also take the opportunity to remember the Lord God and all He has done in your life.
Remember this, and show yourselves men; recall to mind, O you transgressors.
Remember the former things of old, for I Am God, and there is no other; I Am God, and there is none like Me,
declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure’
Isaiah 46:8-10 NKJV
And it can be hectic worrying about getting things just right: planning a birthday, an anniversary, or a weekend away, and getting caught up in the emotion of the events, that we sometimes forget that God brought us through.
The Danger of War Memorials and the Temptation of Idolatry
Take war memorials. While they serve as solemn remembrances of those who sacrificed their lives, if we’re not careful, we can venerate the dead to the point of idolatry. These memorials and the memories of the dead can inadvertently become objects of worship, shifting our focus away from the true Lord God, the only one who deserves our worship.
War’s True Culprit: Deception and the Spirit of the Enemy
Remember, wars don’t simply appear out of nowhere, like a whirlwind, and catch people unawares in their wake. People wage war. People take up arms. People clash with one another, and people die.
Everyone suffers and loses in war: the fallen soldiers, displaced families, refugees, and all those left behind – carrying wounds, trauma, and memories of loss.
Correction: The warmongers benefit. I call them ‘the deluded ones’. Driven by greed, power, and deception, they’ve deceived themselves into believing Satan’s lies – that riches and power can be gained through violence and destruction. They believe they are advancing their interests, but the sad reality is that they’ve fallen into the Devil’s clutches and are blindly following him into destroying their fellow humans.
Do not be deceived. There is spiritual warfare, and we engage in it, even if we don’t want to. This manifests in physical battles, whether in our relationships, health, finances and more.
Keep God At The Centre
As Christians and followers of Christ, we must not allow our remembrance practices to lead us into idolatry. Always keep God at the centre.
Here are biblical and practical ways to remember the Lord God and keep Him at the centre of your daily life:
- Pray and read Scripture daily to remind yourself of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. Incorporate prayer and Scripture into your daily routines to centre your life in Christ.
- Reflect on God’s love, mercy and justice and celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness when reflecting on your personal and collective history.
- Use memorials as opportunities to share the Gospel message, emphasising God’s eternal Kingdom over earthly achievements. Memorials and remembrances are to point us toward God and not worldly idols or false gods.
- Teach others about the dangers of idolatry. Be cautious of cultural practices that may inadvertently elevate memorials or historical figures above God.
Honour The Sacrifice Without Falling Into Idolatry
Remembering the Lord God and putting Him first in all areas of our lives is essential for our spiritual growth and faithfulness. While honouring those who sacrificed for us is important, we must be careful not to idolise them. And not turn their memorials into shrines or objects of worship.
Worship and our highest praise belong solely to the Lord God, His Son Jesus Christ, and to the Holy Spirit. We show our love for the LORD God by putting Him first in our lives.
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