THE DANGER OF LOOKING BACK
DECEMBER 21, 2024
TEXT: And Jesus said unto him, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)
The text for our discussion today emphasizes Jesus’ teaching on commitment and the need to endure trials that come our way in our heavenly race. Salvation automatically implies that old things pass away, and anything that makes us look back at them is like an invitation to problems.
Looking back simply means casting glances or looks at things that used to characterize our past sinful life. It can mean dwelling on past failures or shortcomings, inability to let go of worldly lifestyles, or craving for the old life of iniquity and spiritual backwardness.
Once we give our lives to Christ, the past is gone; for if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things are passed away, and all things have automatically been renewed. In essence, it is tantamount to one being given a fresh slate. Thus, it becomes problematic when one begins to admire the old way of life rather than surging forward.
EXAMPLES OF LOOKING BACK
- Going back to old immodest ways of dressing
- Returning to old friends that used to be sources of spiritual stagnation
- Returning to old ways of speaking and communicating, which are usually indecent
- Going back to taking alcoholic substances that one had previously forsaken
When one does any of the above, one is likened to a dog that decides to go back to its own vomit.
TRAGIC EFFECTS OF LOOKING BACK
- It can lead to loss of entry into God’s kingdom. Having laid your hands on the plough, you have signed an everlasting contract of dedication, and looking back automatically disqualifies you from entering into the kingdom of God.
- It can lead to an inability to fulfill the purpose for which we are called in God’s kingdom as sons and daughters of God.
- Looking back is certainly going to limit our walk with God in many ways.
SEARCHLIGHT: It’s worse to fall away from faith after tasting its benefits than to never have experienced it at all.
PRAYER: O Lord, may I not lose my focus, in the name of Jesus.
BIBLE READING: Exodus 11-13, John 8
PST. MICHAEL OMOLE
