Several days ago America marked the 23rd anniversary of 9-11, when the Twin Towers of NYC were attacked by our own airplanes, and nearly 3,000 people died, over 400 of them first responders. It was my generation’s equivalent of Pearl Harbor; another “day that will live in infamy.” People vowed to never forget what happened, and for about three weeks the churches in our country experienced significant gains in attendance. It was as if people were trying to understand why and how this tragedy could have happened, seeking answers from God’s Biblical wisdom contained in sermons spoken by His pastors.

However, too soon, things returned to the same pattern established before our nation’s loss, and once again Sunday became just another day. Church and the Bible were left behind as sports, children’s activities, and relaxation took precedence over worship. Then, as years passed, many people forgot to remember that date. September 11th slipped up on them and the generation born after 2001 wasn’t taught “to remember.”

I am reminded of Old Testament accounts telling about the Israelites in the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah who forgot the God who brought them out of Egypt. They broke His first commandment to “have no other gods before him,” as they worshipped idols brought into their land by foreigners. Then they broke the fourth commandment to “Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy,” just like many people do today. Have we forgotten to honor God on Sunday because we too have made idols – anything we put before God – of other things or events. There is nothing wrong with children’s sporting events, golf outings, family picnics, etc., but do they take priority over church gatherings to worship and honor God?

Over the years since I was raised, a lot has changed. Do you remember a better time in America? Maybe it’s past time to return to the things that matter. The Bible says in a verse I quote and pray a lot these days that God will restore us if we repent and turn back to His ways. Let’s remember and find our way back to Him.