SELECTIVE MEMORY

READING: LUKE 9:57-62

Verse 62: “But Jesus said to him, ’No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’”

A great deal of fiction has been written, based on experiences resulting from amnesia, the absence of awareness of the past. God’s word also addresses the matter of the awareness of past affairs. I like to give the name “spiritual amnesia” to this form of biblical counsel. The verse above cautions Believers about looking back, and encourages the absence of some past awareness. There can be times when the way things were formerly, causes interference with the way they should be currently. This history can block out what God’s kingdom generously offers. And therefore should not be retained. This is certainly true for traumatic events that have occurred and are crippling. It can also be so for gratifying experiences and memories that distract a person from a godly focus. Even when these burdens of the past are the result of our sins, Christians are able to be made free. His word also promises He will forgive our sins and remember them no more. If He releases them, we should certainly not be bound by them. Regarding sin and every other historical restraint to godliness, we are free to be forward looking, and should receive that freedom. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What would happen if a person were looking back while plowing and what lesson does that teach?

2. What does the relative size of a front windshield to a rear view mirror indicate about looking back?