“But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26 NLT)
From the jump, let me tell you that looking back at memories that make you smile, looking back at days with loved ones who will not ever be forgotten, and spending time remembering holidays together in better times is not a bad thing. Looking back and reviewing where the Lord has brought you from, delivered you out of, and intervened in your life to change you from dwelling in darkness or a dim perspective is not wrong. Looking back at how you were transformed and ceased to conform to the ways of the world makes you shout out in thanksgiving and praise. In that instance, there is nothing wrong with looking back at the wrong things. Just remember, God did not rescue you for you to return to what almost ruined you. God did not change you to look back and reverse the rescue. God did not open up the door to a holy lifestyle for you to turn right around, look, and go back out the door. Those are examples of looking back at the wrong things.
I used to never watch past videos of our church services. The last couple of weeks I have for the purpose of hearing the word again, as opposed to being focused on preaching the word. And I also look at it as athletes study game films to see how I can improve my delivery. That’s not a bad thing. I run into alumni and still a few faculty members who make me think of the good old days, good times that were characterized by good actions, and truthfully, good life lessons. In those cases, there is nothing wrong with looking back.
During this holiday season, we will all look back, but if you do, look for the joyous things in your personal history. Look back at the highlights that made you better. Look back at when you first saw the light. Look back to when you first came to Jesus and keep on going forward with your eyes fixed on Him as opposed to the winds and stormy seas of life.
I may sound a little Pauline; a little like the Apostle Paul here as I use an athletic analogy, but I remember when a track coach told the runners, “When you are running in a race and you hear the footsteps of your opponent coming close, don’t look back. You just might let your opponent catch you and overtake you.” His words teach us about looking back at the wrong things. My Christian friend, keep running ahead as to win the race, keeping your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of your faith. Don’t look back and lose ground.
Be discerning my fellow disciple of the Lord! Know that when a person looks back and focuses on the wrong things; things that Satan will try to use to unconsciously influence you to desire such things again or reappear in your behavior as if that will make you feel happier, that’s focusing on the wrong things. Don’t let his deception cause you to suffer negative consequences. When you look back at the sinful environment(s) that the Lord rescued you from and you get enticed to enter that environment(s) again, you are looking back at the wrong thing.
Do you remember being told, “Don’t be like Lot’s wife” in Sunday School as a child. She looked back and her fate was fatal? Do you remember in Bible study classes about Demas, once a traveling companion of Paul? Do you recall how he looked back and desired for the things of this world? Do you remember how a generation of God’s people looked back, longing for what was not good in Egypt instead of what our good God has promised them; a land flowing with milk and honey? That generation, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, ended up wandering until they died, and perhaps they even did some wondering, “What if we had walked by faith?”
Well. It’s Tuesday morning and the holiday season will have us looking back. That’s natural. However, don’t look back at old sinful bedazzlements or burdens! Look at your blessings and the brighter days ahead! In your business? Don’t look at me! That was the Lord speaking though His messenger. I will close with an admonition that includes the words that we began with in the title, “Don’t Look Back at the Wrong Things.” Be blessed!
“O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name! O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing! (Psalm 103:1-2 The Message Bible)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King