The book of Deuteronomy is one of reminders. Moses keeps telling God's people not to forget what their eyes have seen – what they have personally witnessed – of God's favour in their lives; of his loving kindness and faithfulness. He tells them not to let these personal experiences with their God "slip from their hearts". This is so important. We frequently need to call to mind our very own precious "God-moments" and thank him for them – the times he has touched our lives in a special way; even radically altering the direction we were taking. We need to treasure them. "All who heard it [what the angels had said about baby Jesus] were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart". 

What did Moses say might cause us to forget them?

1. Neglecting the wonders of God entering into a Covenant with us; not appreciating the privilege that is ours; not meditating on the price he was willing to pay; not being thankful enough that we have been redeemed from slavery.

2. Being disobedient in the most important decisions of life; becoming lukewarm in our love for him and his people; not recognizing the need for complete personal integrity (truth in the inward parts); for not obeying him in the small things.

3. Becoming wealthy, proud and status seeking; thinking that our prosperity is down to us; that we deserve all we have; developing the idea that we can put God in our debt; that he owes us a life free from sickness and difficulties.

4. Becoming idol worshippers; giving other things first place in our lives. Almost anything can become an idol and be honoured more than God, even good things. Idolatry (being unfaithful to God) was Israel's greatest sin.

5. Failing to recognize we are still sinners: stiff-necked and rebellious. Regarding our identity, we are saints and children of God, but regarding our hearts we remain prone to self-centredness and self-sufficiency.