Solomon tells us in his book of wisdom, Ecclesiastes, about a city that was surrounded by a great king. There were few men in this city. The king erected large siege works against this it. It looked as if they were all doomed. However, there was a poor wise man and he delivered this city by his wisdom. (Eccl. 9:14,15)

Can you imagine the jubilation when they had won? Surely they celebrated this victory against this “great king”. If I had been in this city, I certainly would have.

But as we read these verses it concludes by saying, “Yet no one remembered that poor man” vs 15. These are sad words. No one remembered him — not even his name is recorded for us.

In the book of Genesis Joseph interpreted a dream and Pharoah’s butler was restored to his position. Joseph asked him to remember him to Pharoah to get him out of prison (Gen. 40:14). However, verse 23 tells us, “Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.” To me this is sad. It was even worse for Joseph.

How good are you at remembering? Has anyone ever helped you along your way and, though you appreciated it at the moment, you forgot that persons kindness? Perhaps you took it for granted and thought you deserved the help, so no need to remember.

And yet, I would almost believe that sometimes we are good at remembering. For instance, tell me about the last person who upset you. Tell me about a problem you had with another individual last year. Can you go back as far as five years to find someone who hurt you in some way?

There are some things and some people we need to remember. There are some things we need to forget. It’s like the little boy who had a fight with his friend one day. He told his mom he would never speak to him again. A few minutes later the doorbell rings and its his friend. He wants him to come and eat with them. His mom, surprised, asked why he had changed his mind. His response was “we are good forgetters.”

Let’s remember the positive things of life and let’s forget those that would hinder our walk with God. You will be blessed for doing so.