Luke 9:62 (KJV)
And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
From the above Scripture, Jesus emphasizes the importance of unwavering commitment to following Him. He made it very clear to His followers that there is no shortcut in surrendering our lives to God. It challenges believers to focus on their spiritual journey without being distracted by past successes, failures, or worldly attachments such as material wealth, personal ambitions, or relationships that lead us away from God. Discipleship requires a wholehearted dedication to God’s purpose, leaving behind anything that might hinder our progress. Surrendering our lives to God demands a resolute commitment to move forward without looking back. God’s intention for His children is unequivocal: we are called to serve Him faithfully until the very end. Walking with Him means our obedience must be total and unwavering. Heaven is not for those who, despite years of dedication, falter just before the finish line. It is reserved for those who will endure every challenge and remain steadfast in their faith to the end. Turning back is not an option; it disqualifies us, making us unfit for the Kingdom of God.
In God’s Kingdom, there is no room for half-measures. We are called to follow Him wholeheartedly; there is no middle ground. When we choose to serve Him, we must resolutely move forward without glancing back. A powerful illustration of this principle is found in the story of Lot. God instructed him and his family to flee the city of Sodom, which was about to be destroyed. They were explicitly told not to look back. Unfortunately, Lot’s wife succumbed to the temptation of her past, allowing the allure of material treasures and the chaos of destruction to distract her. Her choice to turn back resulted in her transformation into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). To embrace our divine destinies, we must decisively let go of the past. With unwavering focus, we can confidently pursue the path God has laid out for us. Many have turned away from following God due to prosperity. When their circumstances changed, they abandoned the church altogether. Many make excuses for why they can’t obey God and serve Him faithfully, mistakenly believing that God overlooks their disobedience. However, God does not accept our failures to uphold our commitments or our tendency to prioritize everything else over Him. It’s increasingly rare to find a committed worker or minister like Elisha, who remains focused and determined to achieve his goals without succumbing to discouragement, distraction, or disillusionment. We must recognize the importance of our dedication and the need to remain steadfast in our faith. Jesus said in Matthew 10:22, “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.”
Beloved, by keeping your “hand to the plow” and staying committed to the path God has set before you, you can grow in faith and live out this teaching in practical, meaningful ways. Make Jesus Lord over your life, and be willing to turn the reigns of your life over to Him as He leads and directs your life. You are no longer your own; you belong to God and no one else. You cannot afford to stop your race to Heaven now, because you have put in so much to get to where you are today. Be focused in life on God, either in pressure or prosperity, and resist the defeatist mentality at all costs; always look into the future with focus. Give your best effort without being distracted by what others may think. Do not let pressure or prosperity stop you from following God. When challenges or temptations arise, use them as opportunities to grow closer to God. Make up your mind to follow God even in times of challenges, trials, or temptations, and refuse to look back no matter what happens. Spend time in prayer or reading scripture each morning, setting your heart on God’s will for the day ahead. Acknowledge the blessings in your life, for gratitude keeps your heart focused on His goodness. Remember to maintain focus and dedication in your walk with God without being distracted by past regrets or worldly distractions.
O LORD, help me never to turn back from following You despite pressure or prosperity. Give me the grace to focus more on You in Jesus’ Name.