#Forward14

Proverbs 4:25 (NLT) “Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.”

“Look here!” “Pay attention!” “Look where you are going!” All of these phrases are used quite frequently. Ever wonder why that is? Our society is filled with people headed in all different directions, many of which seem to be quite unaware of the path they are taking. It is so imperative to our walk with God that we look straight ahead. Too often, we misuse life’s rear-view mirror. If you stare into it too long, you’ll hit the car in front of you. Rear-view mirrors are for glancing; you can see your past experiences, where you've been, and how far you’ve come.  Take a deeper stare and you'll lose perspective of where you are now and where you are headed. A rear-view mirror can also be used to look at yourself. We cannot allow ourselves to gaze too deeply at our own reflection. At first, we may like what we see, but very quickly our view will shift and we'll begin to observe our faults, failures, and flaws. The disappointment in our own shortcomings will consume us from the inside out.

Lot's wife’s inability to ignore the rear-view mirror as she was being led out of Sodom and Gomorrah cost her everything. Maybe she was being saved from past mistakes, but undoubtedly, Lot's wife was being saved from ultimate destruction. She was on her way out to safety. Then it happened. In an instant, her eyes caught a glimpse of the blaze. The glimpse became a look. The look claimed her attention and she could not break the hold it had on her. Immediately, her appearance changed. It became her identity. She was called only as, “Lot's wife.” The Bible didn't even mention her name. She will forever be known as the woman who looked back and lost it all. (Genesis 19:26)

What does Jesus have to say about looking back? Luke 9:62 “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” What a strong stand to take on a topic many of us think to be no big deal. So what if I dwell on my past experiences? Whether the experiences of your past are good or bad, when dwelt upon continually, it is damaging to your future in the kingdom.

You’ll never find what God has for you in the rear-view mirror. Keep your eyes fixed on the prize. “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). 

by Sarah Cartwright