How can we avoid "looking back" in our spiritual journey today? Starting Point—Jesus’ Warning “Then Jesus declared, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’” (Luke 9:62) What “Looking Back” Really Means • Second-guessing our decision to follow Christ • Longing for old sins, habits, or relationships the Lord has called us to leave (Genesis 19:26; Luke 17:32) • Measuring present obedience by past comfort rather than future glory • Allowing nostalgia to cloud the urgency of the gospel mission Why It’s Spiritually Dangerous • Divided focus leads to crooked furrows—ineffective service (Luke 9:62) • It signals discontent with God’s path (Numbers 11:5-6) • It robs joy and momentum (Philippians 3:13-14) • It opens the door to temptation (James 1:14-15) Practical Ways to Keep Our Eyes Forward 1. Fix gaze on Christ – “Let us run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2). 2. Fill the mind with truth – Daily Scripture intake and memorization renew thought patterns (Psalm 119:11). 3. Foster holy community – Walk with believers who encourage forward motion (Hebrews 10:24-25). 4. Frame life by future hope – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). 5. Fight nostalgia with gratitude – Thank God for present grace and coming glory (1 Peter 1:3-5). 6. Forsake lingering ties – Remove objects, media, or contacts that pull the heart backward (2 Corinthians 6:17). 7. Focus on today’s assignment – “Each one should remain in the situation he was in when God called him” (1 Corinthians 7:20). Obey in the present moment. 8. Follow the Spirit’s lead – Walk habitually by the Spirit to avoid gratifying old desires (Galatians 5:16). Encouraging Promises to Sustain Us • “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away” (2 Corinthians 5:17). • “I am doing a new thing… Do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19). • “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). Closing Reflection Eyes forward, hands steady on the plow, hearts anchored in the Savior—this is how we keep from looking back and press on toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. |
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