The Danger of Looking Back

But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

Have you ever looked back to a time, place, or situation in your life?  I have. Until a pastor shared a message from Luke 9:62 on the danger of looking back.

Now don’t get me wrong, my friend, I’m not referring to reflecting on memories, or learning from past experiences.

I’m talking about looking back and desiring to return to the way you “believe” your life was in comparison to where you are right now. 

Doing so causes you grumble and complain in a way that says you are ungrateful.

The children of Israel grumbled and complained.  According to scriptures their behavior led them to circle dry desert grounds in what should have been a new and exciting life.

Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. And the children of Israel said to them, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Exodus 16:2-3

Jesus said, "Anyone... this means no one is exempt; there are no exceptions... but anyone who looks back after putting a hand to the plow is “unfit” for the kingdom of God.  

Wow!

When it's time to move forward keep your eyes on what’s ahead, not on what was behind.

Sarah (not real name) escaped an unhealthy relationship. 

She knew it was toxic, but for some odd reason for years she made excuses for staying. 

Finally, one day she had enough and left. 

There were many days when she questioned her decision, but she kept her hand on the plow and pressed forward.

Recovering from unhealthy, toxic situations, whether it is a relationship, job, hostile environment, or home life can take years to heal, but don't look back. 

If you desire to be fit for the kingdom of God, move forward and keep looking ahead.

And sometimes, at the end of a good, healthy, positive experience or circumstance we may desire to look back, but don't. 

Move forward, my friend.  Use the positive memory to press forward so that you can be “fit” for God's kingdom.

When you look back stagnation occurs causing us to get stuck in a time that is no more.  

More so, look backing behind causes us to feed on the flesh which causes us to distrust God’s ability to provide for our future.

There is danger in looking back. 

Luke 17:32 says, Remember what happened to Lot’s wife! 

Lot and his wife were told to leave a place that was on the verge of being destroyed.

As they were led out of the city, Lot and his wife were given very specific instructions.

When they were safely out of the city, one of the angels ordered, “Run for your lives! And don’t look back or stop anywhere in the valley! Escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” Genesis 19:17

But Lot’s wife disregarded the angel's message. 

Instead she, “looked back and turned into a pillar of salt.”  Genesis 19:26 
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There’s danger in looking back.

The children of Israel were faced with a decision.  They had grumbled and complained to Moses about how much they had in Egypt. 

Now the Egyptians were quickly approaching to take them back to their "desired" life.  But, instead of running into the arms of the Egyptian soldiers they became afraid and complained to Moses. 

And Moses cried out to God. 

And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. Exodus 14:15

Remember what Jesus said, "Anyone who puts their hands to the plow unfit for the kingdom of God."

When we look back we imply that we are unappreciative and ungrateful for what God has done, will do, and is taking us. 

There’s danger in looking back.

Just don't do it!

When you sense the urge to look back, press!  Press toward the goal for the prize of the
upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 

You are a winner. 

Keep moving forward, my friend, and never look back.

Dr. Deborah, Co-Founder
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Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14