There's some wisdom in learning from the past. Our personal growth can be recognized by looking in the rear-view mirror. However, we need to look in front of us more than we look behind us.
When you're driving your car, it's important to have your mirrors in place, because looking back does a lot of good. But how beneficial would it be to only look in the rear-view mirror? That would make driving pretty difficult, unless of course you have amazing peripheral vision.
When it comes to our walk with God, we must have our mirrors in place, but only glance at them briefly.
You see, many people live in the past. Whether a huge crash happened, or they were winning at life, the past gets too much airtime.
Jesus gives us these words, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). Those who put their hand to the plow need to look ahead. If they stare in the wrong direction, the plow will veer off course.
This is how we are to move forward and walk with Jesus.
It's easy for me to forget the simple fact that God is still writing my testimony. When we think of the word testimony we typically allude to what happened long ago. But God is still writing our story if we are still breathing.
Some people have to dig deep in their bag of stories to provide evidence for their faith. We shouldn't use a story from 5 or 10 years ago to show that we believe in God. Stories about the way God moved years ago certainly has its place! But that cannot be the only experience we have with God. It's about time for another story.
If we are looking ahead, and moving forward with Christ, it won't take long to gain another story about an experience with God. He is with his people every second of every day. And he works miracles. Are you expecting to hear God today? Are you looking to see him move in mighty ways?
Looking back in the mirror can do us some good. Only, I would ask—what is he doing today? He is moving, saving, and alive today. Are you looking to be a part of something new with God? As you put your hand to plow or grip the steering wheel today, be sure to look ahead. The best is yet to come for the church.