The purpose of memories

Thomas Tuchyna

How do we make sure that if there is something important that needs to be taken care off, that the event is not overlooked? How do we make sure that critical information is reproduced?

It is interesting to note that although much of our society’s information is recorded, transmitted and reproduced using written text and numbers, information passed on and presented in this way is some of the most difficult for us to remember. Words and numbers generally do not mean too much to us on their own. In contrast, many situations that we go through can leave greater impressions in our minds, especially if they touch us personally in some way. The emotions, sights, sounds even smells that took place at that time can serve as triggers for our memories. All that is needed is a small reminder, and the entire situation comes flooding back in our minds, for us to see all the detail (or information) as clearly as at the time when it took place. There are many triggers that can help us remember. In addition to the ones already mentioned, some others include landmarks, symbols even the people around us.

Our physical memory can be assisted and trained through memory aids, by observation, diligent practice and associating the information or putting it into context. Most of us would have little trouble to remember even the smallest of details related to the regular journey we make to work or the layout of our home. We know which lane to stay in, which to avoid, what signs are along the road, who will get on at the next bus or train stop or which piece of furniture has been moved at home. The reason is that we associate with the setting and its information - it matters to us. Association is one of the keys to a good memory and can be used to train our minds. For example, a number can be remembered much easier if it visualised on a telephone pad and a pattern is put to the sequence of numbers as it crosses the keypad. Memory masters use mind maps to ‘place’ information at key points of journeys they remember well.

The purpose for our memory and memories is manyfold. Our memory helps us to find our way home in a world where there are many ways and many homes. The PIN number we all need to remember, provides access to the finances in our bank account while keeping it safe from others. Memories serve as warnings of situations to come, from experiences of the past and help us to remember significant events. Our society keeps and protects certain days as a reminder to “commemorate” events that took place in the past, in order for us to appreciate and not lose the sense of their significance with the passage of time. These include special days such as ANZAC, Easter, Labor Day, birthdays, graduations and anniversaries to mention just a few.

Our life is comprised of a physical journey to a certain extent, but what about spiritually? Are we on a spiritual journey? If so, we need to know where we are going, where we have come from and what we have gone through to victoriously reach our final destination. There are many things that God has done for us as his people throughout recorded biblical history, in the present day and specifically for us (you and me). Just a brief look through the Bible reveals some key events and symbols:

The rainbow acts as a reminder of God’s judgment upon the world by way of a flood and a promise to not judge the world in this way again (Genesis 9:15-16);

The Passover is a reminder of God’s deliverance of the Israelites from their captivity in Egypt (Exodus 12:24-27, Exodus 13:3);

The Ark of the Covenant (along with the three items it kept, the Pot of manna, the Ten Commandments and Aaron’s rod) acts as a symbol representing God’s law;

The Pot of manna is a reminder of God’s provision (Exodus 16:31-32);

The Ten commandments represent the substance of what God requires from us as an expression of our special relationship with him (Exodus 24:12);

Aaron’s rod acts as a confirmation of God’s appointment of the unique priestly authority on Aaron and not other self-appointed men (Numbers 16-17).

In the case of the Prodigal son, it was the lack of food and a desire to satisfy his hunger that triggered his memory and caused him to turn to his father back at home (Luke 15:17).

The altar of sacrifice used throughout the bible is a reminder to us of the need to offer and sacrifice ourselves for God’s purposes

In many cases we do not have an explanation of why God has chosen these specific examples or why he has chosen this general pathway of reminding us through such symbolism. What is important for us to understand is how it fits in to our service and life of serving the Lord Jesus Christ. In the physical, we would benefit through training our memories through observation, practice, association and recall on a regular basis. The same applies in our spiritual life. We need to spend time with Jesus to learn about him and what he taught; observe the cause and affect of situations that take place; place into context that which we learn and be a regular part of his body. However we do have a promise that the Holy Ghost (God himself) has promised to be our memory aid at times of need, But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name he shall teach you all things, and bring to remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26.

Symbols and events can become routine and the interest in the symbols and events greater than the reason for having them in the first place. This is what happened to the nation of Israel, caught up in fulfilling the appointed times and seasons, without acknowledging their Creator. It is also the way of formalised religion – routine and dry. So how can God’s symbols, work for us? We may forget the words of messages preached but the experience it brought about, the understanding it provided, the boldness it generated, the clarity of vision, the conviction or the change of direction, causes a lifetime impression that we cannot forget. By remembering the experience we can associate with our Saviour, with His goodness and His message to us.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein, for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8