Looking Back Prevents Forward Momentum

"Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”"-Luke 9:61-62 Everyone knows someone like Napoleon Dynamite's Uncle Rico. For those who didn't see the movie (I like stupid, funny movies), Uncle Rico was constantly looking back to his high school football days saying "If the coach would have put me in, we would have made state, no doubt in my mind," recording videos of himself throwing footballs, and continually seeking to share, with anyone who would listen, stories reveling on what might have, could have and should have been. Uncle Rico, though, lived alone in a van. He ruined relationships. He was entitled to what he should have had if life would have gone his way. As I said, I think we all know someone like Uncle Rico. Why do I bring this up? What does this have to do with seeking Christ? Quite simply, looking back prevents us from moving forward. Many of us, when we are born again, look back, as Israel did in the desert, to the slavery we escaped from with envious eyes. I'm not immune! The past prevents us from fixing our eyes on Christ. He is, after all, the goal we should be striving for! What holds us back? What do we keep looking back on that prevents us from the promises God has for us today? What clouds our eyes from seeing the Kingdom, and especially the King, before us? Stop looking back. Get out of the might have been. Take it, one step at a time, in a fixed, determined walk toward Christ Jesus, who is more than sufficient to supply and fulfill all your needs. Philippians 4:4-13 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.