Looking Back

Luke 9:62--Jesus said to him, “Anyone who starts to plow and then keeps looking back is of no use for the Kingdom of God.” We normally think this refers to looking back at our old life, sometimes with longing. Admittedly, there were some good times back there and we miss them, no doubt. But we’re a new creation now. “……old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 We don’t do those things anymore. We've found a better way of life to replace them.

It occurred to me that maybe this verse means more than just our old life. I think it also refers to our way of thinking. Our attitude. All the negative self-talk about how we’re not being a very good Christian. We need to do this or that better. Why do we still lose our temper? And then after an anger outburst or negative self-talk, we engage in more negative self-talk, kicking ourselves for doing it again. And again. It’s a carousel ride we can’t seem to get off of.

That’s where this verse comes in. We keep looking back at how we’re not living up to what we feel God expects of us. We’re focused on our screwups—not just our actions but our thoughts also. And then you have the second part of that verse: “Anyone who. . . keeps looking back is of no use for the Kingdom of God.” Of course you’re of no use. You’re not looking at Jesus, you’re focused on your Self. Stop looking back at how you can’t do anything right. Even if it was just this morning or five minutes ago. Focus on Jesus. Ask him to forgive you and get on with life. He’s got you covered. All things are new. Your old way of thinking and doing have passed away. You are a new creation.