In our Christian journey, we are often reminded of the profound decision to follow Jesus. It’s a choice that should be held close to our hearts, a commitment to move forward without turning back. The powerful hymn, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus,” encapsulates this sentiment, urging us to embrace our faith with unwavering dedication. The lyrics serve as a reminder that once we set our course towards Christ, there should be no looking back. The call to follow Jesus is clear in Luke 9:62, where He states, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” It is a stern warning that turning our gaze back to the world, symbolizing the system of sin, is not an option. The consequences of looking back can be severe, as demonstrated in the story of Lot’s wife in Genesis 19.
But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:26)
The story of Lot and his family serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of looking back. Angels, sent by God, warned Lot and his family of the imminent destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah due to their wickedness. The angels urged Lot to escape to the mountains and emphasized the importance of not looking back. Their instructions were clear: “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!” (Genesis 19:17). The consequences were dire, with a divine warning that looking back would have severe ramifications. Despite this warning, Lot’s wife couldn’t resist casting a glance back at the city she was leaving behind.
As Lot’s wife cast her gaze back toward Sodom and Gomorrah, she paid a grievous price. She was transformed into a pillar of salt, a fate that was a result of her disobedience and attachment to her former life. This account serves as a clear illustration of the peril of looking back when God calls us to move forward. Lot’s wife paid the ultimate price for her inability to leave her past behind. Her act of looking back revealed a lack of commitment to God’s call and a dangerous attachment to the world she was leaving. There are profound implications to consider when we find ourselves yearning for the past or entertaining thoughts of returning to our former sinful lifestyles.
1. Loss of Salvation: Our salvation is a precious gift, granted to us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The decision to look back can jeopardize this salvation. The consequences of forfeiting our eternal security are severe.
2. Inadequate Commitment: Looking back signifies a lack of commitment to God. It suggests that we are not fully dedicated to the journey we have embarked upon. Total commitment to Christ means there is no room for longing for the sinful past.
3. Comparing the Unsaved Past: Our past, marred by sin and darkness, should never be compared to the glorious present and future we have in Christ. The blessings and fulfillment we find in our walk with God should far outweigh any attachments to our former lives.
4. Endangering Our Faith: Whenever the allure of our past sinful lifestyles or the luxuries we once enjoyed beckons, it endangers our faith. The consequences of looking back can disrupt our spiritual journey and lead to moral and spiritual decline.
The story of Lot’s wife is a poignant reminder of the consequences of looking back when God calls us to move forward. The decision to follow Jesus is a profound one, and it demands unwavering commitment. Our faith is a journey with a specific direction – forward. The world, with its system of sin, is behind us, and the cross, symbolizing both suffering and redemption, is before us.
We have been saved from sin, eternal death, and damnation, and this salvation is a treasure we cannot risk losing. The consequences of looking back are severe. In our Christian walk, we must remember the wisdom in the hymn, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.” We have chosen to follow Him, and no turning back, no turning back. Our commitment to Christ should be unwavering, our gaze steadfastly fixed on the cross before us, and our hearts resolute in following the path He has laid out for us. Looking back is not an option.