Have you seen the movie “My Spy” starring Dave Bautista? He plays a CIA spy sent to watch over a woman and her little girl. The little girl quickly figures out he is a spy and manipulates him into doing what she wants by threatening to expose him. Her biggest desire is to learn how to “be cool” like in the movies, and walk away from an explosion without looking back.
When we look back behind us, often times we are longing for something we think will satisfy us. It might be reminiscing about a favorite memory or a longing for something “fun.” What we don’t realize is often those longings come from our enemy, whose only purpose is to destroy us. It says in John 10:10 (NIV), “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Jesus told us, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 (NIV). If we are longing for our old lives, we are believing our ideas and ways are better than God’s. It’s a dangerous practice that leads to chaos, destruction, and ultimately, death. Life without God leads to eternal separation from Him. The ultimate example of this is Lot’s wife. In Genesis 19:26 it says, “But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt”. (NIV) She might have looked back because she was drawn to the life she had in Sodom, that of wealth, respect, and a prominent place in society. Those things are fleeting, and that kind of life will eventually suffocate you. Luke 17:31-33 says, “On that day no one who is on the housetop, with possessions inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.” (NIV)
Perhaps you feel God is calling you to begin something new, something foreign to you. Do you desire to step into the new calling, or do you long for what you’re used to? Comfort and security are huge draws to us. New and unfamiliar seems awkward and unusual. We are creatures of habit and do not like change.
Paul told us that life is like a race, where we all run for the prize, which is eternal life in heaven. Instead of the promise of suffering, chaos and pain, which is what eternal damnation will be, we are promised a life free of those things if we choose life with God. Philippians 3:14 says, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
How do we walk away from the chaos of this world? Psalm 16:8 reminds us, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (NIV) And Proverbs 4:27 advises, “Do not turn to the right or to the left; keep your foot from evil.” (NIV)
This world promises many things to us, but the end result is chaos and destruction. Be like the little girl in “My Spy” and choose to keep looking forward while everything explodes behind you.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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