Spiritual Alzheimer’s

In the book of Matthew, we read the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. A merchant, who owed more than he could ever expect to be able to repay, begged for and received mercy from his master. For the debt he owed, he was not only given forbearance but the debt was completely forgiven.

Immediately after receiving this life-altering forgiveness, he encountered a another who owed him.  The debt owed the first servant was paltry in comparison his forgiven debt. Rather than extending the same kindness he had received, he acted with cruelty.  As a result, the punishment meted out by his master for this action was severe.

What was wrong with this guy? This parable’s character suffered from Spiritual Alzheimer’s.  “Is that a real thing?” you may ask. Let me explain what I mean.

My Mother was one of the brightest lights I have ever known.  Both intellectually and spiritually she shone for decades.  At 83 years old, she has suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease for about seven years now.  Her once-sharp wit has been reduced to nonsensical phrases of frustration.  One can sense her frustration at being unable to put together a sensible sentence.  The words won’t come together any longer.  In spite of this, she is still one of the most pleasant people you’ll ever meet.

She hasn’t known my brothers, me or her grandkids now for several years. Even her husband of over 60 years is now a nice man who comes to see her a lot.  When I visit her, Mom says, “It’s been so long,” even when it’s only been a couple of days. Alzheimer’s has taken from her the ability to remember

Alzheimer’s kills the brain from inside.  It eats away the memory receptors, taking away the ability to remember.  At first small things like grandkids’ soccer games, upcoming birthdays, etc. are forgotten. In time, it forgets how to swallow, how to make one’s heart beat, even how to breathe.  Here is how Spiritual Alzheimer’s can affect our walk with Christ.

What could make us forget the pit from which we were dug?  Sin and its corrosive effect on our souls eats away at our spiritual memory.  It impairs functions such as gratitude, forgiveness and peace. It, too, will in time cause spiritual death.

For good reason the Apostle Paul reminded us, “Whatever is good, . . . think on these things.” If we don’t exercise our spiritual memory by honing in on Spirit’s voice and prompting, we tend to forget.  The good is gone a we gravitate toward the base. Then aphasia (the inability to clearly express thoughts) sets in, as with physical Alzheimer’s.  This results in spiritual nonsense spewing forth, justifications for our unrighteous behaviors.

In the flesh, Alzheimer’s Disease has no cure, with an eventual 100% mortality rate. Spiritual Alzheimer’s is curable, but only if checked in time by repentance.  Other curatives include the remembrance of and reconciliation with the goodness of God.

Check yourself.  Do you remember the pit from whence you have been dug?  How long has it been since you had a good, heart-to-heart with the Father?  Well friend, that’s too long.