The time-honored tradition of singing “Auld Lang Syne” on New Year’s Eve was popularized in North America on December 31, 1929. The phrase is actually Scottish and literally means, “old long since.” Yet, through the years, the definition has been refined to mean, “for old time’s sake” or “the olden days” (countryliving.com). So, the question in the song is, “Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?” Or you might ask, “Should the ‘olden days’ be forgotten?” The answer may seem to be an obvious, “no” but, spiritually speaking, it could be answered in a variety of ways: yes, no, or maybe. Each person must answer individually.
First, you might answer, “yes.” When the apostle Paul was thinking about his past he said, “this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before” (Phi. 3:13). His mind was made up that he would forget all of the past success he had in the Jewish religion (Phi. 3:5) and he would forget all of his past failures in persecuting the Lord’s church (Phi. 3:6). His goal was to be focused on Jesus and the prize of Heaven (Phi. 3:10-14). It could be that forgetting some of the worldly things that have overtaken our lives in the past year or more could be the best for us as well. We might take pride in certain accomplishments (job, personal goals, awards, etc.) but if they are taking us away from God, it is best to forget those things. Recommitting ourselves to focus our lives on Jesus, His Word, His church, and our eternity is essential (James 1:21).
Second, you might answer, “no.” The Hebrew Christians were told to “call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of affliction” (Heb. 10:32). After those Christians were first converted, all of the trials they had suffered didn’t seem to matter because they knew their treasures were in Heaven (Mat. 6:19,20). However, they were at the point where they were tempted to give up and turn back to Judaism. So, the inspired encouragement was don’t forget about your past success and don’t stop living faithfully to God (Heb. 10:38,39). Maybe this year has caused us problems to the point that we’ve felt like giving up. It is a good time to stop and remember the trials that God has helped us through in the “olden days” and not forget Him in our lives (1 Cor. 10:13; James 4:13-15).
Finally, you might answer, “maybe.” The Proverbs state, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Pro. 13:20) while Paul said, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Cor. 15:33). This means that sometimes it is necessary to rid ourselves of “old acquaintances” and old habits to keep ourselves out of sin. Family members or friends that put temptation in our paths through negative influences, cursing, drug and alcohol use, evil desires, anger, etc. may need to be avoided (Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 4:22-32). However, not at the cost of never attempting to save their souls. It is first necessary to show them the positive changes in our lives through the Gospel and allow them the same opportunity of hearing the “gospel of your salvation” (Eph. 1:13; Mark 16:15).
So, as the new year begins, the answer to the question of “Auld Lang Syne” is up to each individual. We never want to forget the “old paths” (Jer. 6:16) in following God and we do not want to forget that the souls of old acquaintances are important too. Remembering God and His Word daily will allow for opportunities to grow spiritually enjoying the “new days” ahead.
Derrick Coble
First, you might answer, “yes.” When the apostle Paul was thinking about his past he said, “this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before” (Phi. 3:13). His mind was made up that he would forget all of the past success he had in the Jewish religion (Phi. 3:5) and he would forget all of his past failures in persecuting the Lord’s church (Phi. 3:6). His goal was to be focused on Jesus and the prize of Heaven (Phi. 3:10-14). It could be that forgetting some of the worldly things that have overtaken our lives in the past year or more could be the best for us as well. We might take pride in certain accomplishments (job, personal goals, awards, etc.) but if they are taking us away from God, it is best to forget those things. Recommitting ourselves to focus our lives on Jesus, His Word, His church, and our eternity is essential (James 1:21).
Second, you might answer, “no.” The Hebrew Christians were told to “call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of affliction” (Heb. 10:32). After those Christians were first converted, all of the trials they had suffered didn’t seem to matter because they knew their treasures were in Heaven (Mat. 6:19,20). However, they were at the point where they were tempted to give up and turn back to Judaism. So, the inspired encouragement was don’t forget about your past success and don’t stop living faithfully to God (Heb. 10:38,39). Maybe this year has caused us problems to the point that we’ve felt like giving up. It is a good time to stop and remember the trials that God has helped us through in the “olden days” and not forget Him in our lives (1 Cor. 10:13; James 4:13-15).
Finally, you might answer, “maybe.” The Proverbs state, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Pro. 13:20) while Paul said, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Cor. 15:33). This means that sometimes it is necessary to rid ourselves of “old acquaintances” and old habits to keep ourselves out of sin. Family members or friends that put temptation in our paths through negative influences, cursing, drug and alcohol use, evil desires, anger, etc. may need to be avoided (Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 4:22-32). However, not at the cost of never attempting to save their souls. It is first necessary to show them the positive changes in our lives through the Gospel and allow them the same opportunity of hearing the “gospel of your salvation” (Eph. 1:13; Mark 16:15).
So, as the new year begins, the answer to the question of “Auld Lang Syne” is up to each individual. We never want to forget the “old paths” (Jer. 6:16) in following God and we do not want to forget that the souls of old acquaintances are important too. Remembering God and His Word daily will allow for opportunities to grow spiritually enjoying the “new days” ahead.
Derrick Coble