What steps can we take to strengthen our faith and obedience to God? Looking Back or Moving Forward “Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26) Her backward glance froze her—literally and spiritually. From her example, we discover clear, practical steps for a faith that moves forward instead of turning back. Step 1: Guard the Direction of Your Gaze • Our hearts follow our eyes. When we fixate on the past or on worldly comforts, faith stalls. • Philippians 3:13-14 urges, “Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I press on…” • Daily choice: set your eyes on Christ, not on yesterday’s sins, successes, or surroundings. Step 2: Cultivate Immediate Obedience • God’s command to Lot’s family was clear: “Do not look back.” Delayed or partial obedience cost Lot’s wife everything. • James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Practical helps: – Respond to promptings from Scripture or the Spirit at once—make the call, confess the sin, change the habit. – Keep a journal of commands you sense from God and record swift action steps beside each one. Step 3: Distance Yourself from Compromise • Lot lingered near Sodom long before judgment fell (Genesis 13:12). Proximity breeds conformity. • 2 Corinthians 6:17: “Come out from among them and be separate.” Action points: – Evaluate environments—media, friendships, places—that pull your heart backward. – Create constructive alternatives: Bible-saturated playlists, fellowship with believers, service opportunities. Step 4: Stay Anchored in God’s Promises • Lot’s wife looked back because she doubted that God’s future could surpass her familiar present. • Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Ways to anchor: – Memorize verses about God’s faithfulness (e.g., Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:28). – Revisit personal testimonies of answered prayer to fuel present trust. Step 5: Walk in Community and Accountability • Hebrews 10:24-25 calls us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” • Lot’s wife traveled with family but apparently stood alone in her longing for Sodom. Strength-builders: – Join a small group that studies Scripture and shares struggles honestly. – Pair with an accountability partner who asks, “Where are you tempted to look back this week?” Step 6: Keep the Eternal Perspective • Luke 17:32-33: “Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it.” • Colossians 3:1-2: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Daily reset: – Begin mornings by picturing the day you’ll see Jesus face to face. – End evenings by thanking Him for anything done with eternity in view. Putting It All Together Review the six steps regularly, asking, “Am I looking back or pressing on?” As you guard your gaze, obey immediately, shun compromise, anchor in promises, walk with others, and fix on eternity, your faith grows resilient and your obedience quick. The God who rescued Lot still rescues hearts willing to move forward with Him. |
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