It took God one night to get Israel out of Egypt. But it took forty years to get Egypt out of Israel. The Israelites were always looking back.
After they learned that giants occupied the Promised Land, “And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, ‘If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness! Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?’ So they said to one another, “Let us select a leader and return to Egypt.”” (Numbers 14:2–4).
Some Christians take a similar approach to life. They’re always looking back. They say, “Remember the good old days—you know, before I was a Christian? Man, we would party! We had so much fun!”
Really? Were they in fact the good old days? Were those times really as good as they seem now? Or is the memory of them a little distorted? Have those believers forgotten the emptiness? Have they forgotten the despondency? Have they forgotten the repercussions of the things they did? Have they forgotten that dull ache deep inside? Have they forgotten the havoc their actions brought on their family? They’ve conveniently forgotten about those things and remember only the few good times they had.
That’s what the Israelites were doing. They were always looking back. But before we judge them, let’s realize that we often do the same thing. This is why Jesus said, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). Discipleship is forward-facing.
The baseball player Satchel Paige once said, “Don’t look back. Something might be gaining on you.” There’s spiritual truth in his words. Sometimes looking back can awaken old fears and anxieties. It can cause you to forget what God has done in your life. It can make you lose focus on what He has in store for you.
Looking back is often a way of retreating to a safer, more familiar place and time. We need to remember, however, that God is our refuge. And the plan He has for us is as certain as anything in our past. God always blesses and rewards spiritual forward progress.
You can’t live in two worlds. You can’t go forward when you’re looking back. And you can’t walk forward spiritually if you’re always looking over your shoulder. Disciples are called to change the world and not be changed by it. World changers see opportunities; those who are changed by this world see obstacles. World changers see bridges; those who are changed by this world see walls. Perspective is everything. Make sure you stay focused on what lies ahead.
