How can we avoid the fate of Lot's wife in our daily lives? Remember Lot’s Wife – Luke 17:32 “Remember Lot’s wife.” (Luke 17:32) A single, sobering sentence from the Lord Jesus. Her moment of hesitation became a permanent monument warning every generation: do not look back once God calls you out. What Happened in Genesis 19 • The angels urged Lot to flee Sodom immediately (Genesis 19:15–17). • They commanded, “Do not look behind you.” • “But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26) Literal judgment fell the instant her heart turned toward what God was destroying. Why Jesus Brings Her Up • Lot’s wife illustrates the danger of divided loyalty (Luke 17:31). • Her story proves that lingering affection for a corrupted world forfeits life (Luke 17:33). • By recalling her, Jesus anchors end-time readiness in everyday obedience. Modern Ways We “Look Back” • Longing for old sinful habits that Christ has already forgiven. • Romanticizing past relationships the Lord ended for our good. • Measuring worth by possessions, status, or comfort rather than by faithfulness. • Nursing resentment over sacrifices made for the gospel. • Dabbling in entertainment or ideologies hostile to biblical truth. • Delaying obedience until conditions feel safer or more convenient. How to Keep Moving Forward 1. Fix the gaze on Christ. • “Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.” (Hebrews 12:2) 2. Travel light. • “Throw off every encumbrance.” (Hebrews 12:1) • Regularly repent of thoughts, habits, or friendships pulling the heart backward. 3. Cultivate a forward mindset. • “Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead.” (Philippians 3:13–14) 4. Obey instantly. • Lot hesitated; the angels seized his hand (Genesis 19:16). Swift obedience closes the door to second-guessing. 5. Love not the world. • “Do not love the world or anything in the world.” (1 John 2:15–17) • Refuse entertainment or ambitions that stir nostalgia for sin. 6. Practice daily surrender. • “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) • Begin each day affirming, “I follow You today, Lord, without reverse.” Encouraging Promises for Staying Focused • God replaces what He asks us to release with eternal treasure (Mark 10:29–30). • Those who endure gain “the crown of life” (James 1:12). • Friendship with God is sweeter than anything forfeited (James 4:4, John 15:15). • The best is always ahead for those in Christ (2 Corinthians 4:17–18). A Daily Checklist □ I confessed and forsook any lingering sin or regret. □ I set my mind on things above through Scripture and worship. □ I chose obedience in one specific, costly area. □ I thanked God for deliverance from my “Sodom.” □ I encouraged another believer to keep pressing on. Closing Encouragement Proverbs 4:25–27 sums it up: “Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. Make a level path for your feet… do not turn to the right or to the left; keep your foot from evil.” By God’s grace, steadfast eyes and an undivided heart keep us from the tragic backward glance that ended Lot’s wife—and lead us safely into the blessings ahead. |
    |