THE DANGER OF LOOKING BACK: A CALL TO FOLLOW CHRIST WHOLEHEARTEDLY By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Luke 9:62 - "Jesus replied, 'No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'"
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INTRODUCTION
Throughout history, God has called His people to a life of holiness, separation from the world, and unwavering commitment to His will. However, many struggle with the temptation to look back on their past lives, reminiscing about former captivities as if they were beneficial. The enemy uses this deception to lure believers into spiritual bondage, entrapping them in cycles of sin and separation from God.
Looking back is dangerous because it invites delusion and spiritual deception, leading people away from the path of righteousness. The world today is filled with distractions and temptations that seek to pull believers away from their divine calling. As Jesus warned, no one who looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God. The challenge before us is clear: we must keep our eyes on Christ and refuse to return to the chains from which we have been freed.
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THE DANGER OF RETURNING TO FORMER CAPTIVITY
Genesis 19:26 - "But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt."
One of the most striking biblical examples of the danger of looking back is the story of Lot’s wife. God had commanded her family to flee from Sodom and Gomorrah without looking back, yet she disobeyed and perished as a result. This tragic event serves as a warning to all believers: looking back to our sinful past can lead to destruction.
Satan uses nostalgia and deception to make former captivities appear attractive. The Israelites, after being miraculously delivered from Egypt, often longed for the comfort of their past, forgetting the oppression they had endured. They said to Moses:
Numbers 11:5-6 - "We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!"
Their failure to trust in God’s provision caused them to long for slavery rather than embrace the freedom He had given them. The same danger exists today when believers become discontent with their walk with Christ and begin to desire the things of the world.
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SPIRITUAL WARFARE: THE ENEMY'S DEVICES
Ephesians 6:12 - "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
The battle for our souls is ongoing. Satan is relentless in his pursuit of those who seek to follow Christ. He disguises his attacks in subtle ways, making sin appear harmless or even desirable. His goal is to entangle believers in spiritual deception and lead them away from God’s truth.
The enemy uses relationships, worldly distractions, and even personal ambitions to divert believers from their purpose. He understands that if he can cause someone to compromise just a little, he can lead them back into full captivity. The Bible warns us:
2 Corinthians 11:14 - "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light."
Believers must remain vigilant and resist the enticements of the enemy. Spiritual discernment and unwavering faith in God’s Word are essential in overcoming these attacks.
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SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD: A CALL TO HOLINESS
2 Corinthians 6:17 - "Therefore, 'Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.'"
God calls His people to be set apart from the ways of the world. This does not mean we avoid sinners altogether, but rather that we do not participate in their rebellious ways. Jesus associated with sinners, but He did not conform to their lifestyles—He called them to repentance.
Believers must maintain spiritual purity and avoid compromising relationships that weaken their commitment to Christ. The Bible warns us about the corrupting influence of ungodly associations:
1 Corinthians 15:33 - "Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’"
Walking in holiness requires daily surrender to God’s will and a firm commitment to His righteousness. Those who prioritize their relationship with Christ will remain strong and steadfast, even in the face of temptation.
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SUMMARY
The temptation to look back at past captivities is a deceptive scheme of the enemy designed to lead believers away from God. Just as Lot’s wife perished for disobedience, and the Israelites longed for their former oppression, so too can believers fall into the trap of nostalgia for their sinful past. The spiritual battle is real, and the enemy uses deception, relationships, and worldly desires to lure people away from Christ.
However, God calls His people to holiness, to separate from the world, and to remain firm in their faith. Walking in righteousness requires steadfast devotion and a refusal to be entangled in the sins of the past.
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CONCLUSION
God has called His people to a higher standard of living—one that is free from bondage and full of His grace and righteousness. The path of following Jesus is not always easy, but it is the only way to eternal life. Looking back only leads to destruction, while keeping our eyes on Christ leads to victory.
The choice is clear: remain faithful to God and His calling, or risk being ensnared by the darkness from which He delivered us. We must choose to stand firm and never turn back.
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CALL TO ACTION
If you feel the temptation to return to your past or struggle with spiritual entanglements, surrender to Jesus today. Stay rooted in His Word, surround yourself with godly influences, and walk boldly in His truth. Let go of everything that seeks to pull you away from Him and embrace the freedom He has given you.
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FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
God has given you the strength to overcome. Do not allow the enemy to deceive you into returning to bondage. Stand firm in your faith, keep your eyes on Christ, and trust in His promises. He is with you always, guiding and protecting you on this journey of righteousness.
Hebrews 12:1-2 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
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SALVATION PRAYER
If you have never given your life to Jesus or if you desire to rededicate your life to Him, pray this prayer with sincerity:
Lord Jesus, I come before You today, acknowledging that I am a sinner. I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again on the third day. I accept You as my Lord and Savior. Come into my heart, lead me, and help me to walk in righteousness. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and guide me in all truth. I surrender my life to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
