Why Do You Keep Telling Me That?

              While listening to last week's sermon, my pastor made an illustration that raised an interesting question.

              We've been discussing Philippians 3:15-4:1, where Paul is telling the church at Philippi to reject self-indulgence (or libertinism) because following Jesus is so much better. Better than the internet, better than riches, even better than raspberry dark chocolate.

              Isn't it true that Christians hear this a lot? Shouldn't we move on to other aspects of the Christian life? Do we need to constantly be told the same thing over and over? Not just that Jesus is better than chocolate, but that we are sinners, that we need to repent, etc. Can't we learn that and move on to something else?

             I would argue that it is helpful to be reminded for a couple of reasons.

  
1. One of Satan's most effective tricks for leading believers astray is to keep things out of our heads.

             Despite what some might say, there is a devil, who is out to destroy us. Isn't it true that it's especially hard to act in a manner pleasing to God when one forgets the basics of faith? For example, I'd probably act with more patience towards my younger brother if I remembered that God pays close attention to how we treat our siblings. By quoting verses or having them quoted to us on a regular basis, we are equipping ourselves with the weapons with which we can face the enemy.

2. Like lifting weights, when a situation requires a certain truth, repetition allows a Christian to be ready.

            I found myself debating some time ago with one of my professors on whether or not Christians should eat certain kinds of meat. As it happens, I had recently memorized a passage of the New Testament that spoke to this idea, so I was able to provide a suitable comeback. While not the most important thing to argue about, it illustrates the point that these reminders also give Christians the tools they need to argue for their faith.

3. It pleases God to know that's what we're doing. 

           "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of scoffers:  But his delight is in the law of Jehovah; And on his law doth he meditate day and night" (American Standard Version)