Press On Don't Turn Back Or Look Back Longingly

"Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?" Galatians 4:8-9 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul is preaching to the Galatians regarding justification by faith, explaining both the theological and the practical ramifications of the doctrine. After reminding them about Abraham, the promise of the covenant, and the purpose of the law, Paul points out the futility of ritualism and worshiping idols. His question to them was, do you really want to go back to being as you were before knew God?

Salvation bring with it a great responsibility, because we are children of a Holy God, we are expected to live holy. We are blessed, and to whom much is given, much is required. (Luke 12:48) Once we have a personal relationship with God, how can we turn our back on Him and reject all that He is and all that He has done. We do not want to be like Lot's wife who looked back longingly towards Sodom and Gomorrah, after being warned not to, and was turned into a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:17 & 26) Once we accept Christ there is not turning back. Jesus said, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62) One cannot do a good job with the plow and plow straight while looking back behind himself. Where we have been is not as important as where we are going.

Don't Be Grieved Or Embittered God Is WIth You

"When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You. Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory ... My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:21-26 (NIV)

After noting that sometimes the wicked seem to have prosperity and a good life, the psalmist was upset, then he recognizes that God has a plan for the wicked, and a plan for him. He then confesses his sins, repents of his foolishness, and acknowledges that God has kept him, guided him, and been his strength.

Rather than worrying about that which others have, we should be thankful for that which God has blessed us with. Even when we sin and ignore Him, He is always with us. When things appear to be going wrong, He holds our hand and guides us through the storms of life. When we are weak, God is our strength. We need to repent of our sins, recognize, and be thankful for our blessings. And one of these days He will take us home to be with Him in glory.