“Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them and have been established in the truth which is present with you.” (Philippians 4:11a NKJV)
The Apostle Peter focused on reminding believers in his time of things that he had taught them or things that were taught by the Apostle Paul. It’s like he knew, even lacking formal education in pedagogy which would reinforce going over a topic more than once to sustain remembering. And, at the time of Peter’s writing, Edgar Dale had not offered his views on what we remember: “Ten percent of what we read, 20% of what we hear, 30% of what we see, 50% of what we see and hear, 70% of what we discuss with others, 80% of what we personally experience, and 95% or what we teach others.” Since I’m personally impressed, I am therefore inclined to involve myself in instructing others something again, to increase one’s remembering quotient. I’m going to follow Peter’s lead, allowing me to remind some and teach others by means of an excerpt from the sermon I preached from 1 John this past Sunday. Here it is!
“Every time you hear the word ‘purpose’ – you should say ‘Christ!’ If anyone asks your ‘purpose’ in life – just say, ‘Christ!’ If anyone should ever question whether you have a life of ‘purpose’ simply say, ‘Christ.’ If someone asks you if you know your ‘purpose’ for being, say, ‘Christ?’ If somebody asks you why your life has been spared or your years spread out so long over a great length of time, refer to your ‘purpose’ and say, ‘Christ!’”
If you were looking for an abbreviated, introductory story or an analogy to draw your attention this morning, I’m sorry, just a little. But still hear me out. All I’m doing this morning is fulfilling my “purpose” – “Christ!” And I hope in all that you do today and everywhere you find yourself and in every interaction, you remember your “purpose” – “Christ.” Now, you have been reminded! Enjoy this Tuesday and exhibit your purpose or better yet, explain your purpose to others. Remember what Mr. Dale said, “We personally experience 95% of what we teach others.” Be blessed!
“Beloved, this is now the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of a reminder…” (2 Peter 3:1)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King