“In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods are in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise the one who is in the field, let him not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.” (Luke 17:31–33, NKJV)

How often does your flesh long for sinful appetites supposedly left behind when you chose to follow Jesus? What things of the life you departed to become a new creature in Christ do you still treasure in your heart and mind?

Often underestimated, these longings are a great hindrance to your growth as a disciple. They may well be your death as a disciple. As Jesus admonishes, “Remember Lot’s wife” (cf. Gen. 19:12-26).

Moving forward as a disciple requires us to cease looking back at the life we are leaving behind. In seeking to save your life, you must first completely lose it. If you will lose your life to follow Him, you will find everlasting life in Him. What things in your life anchor you to your sinful past? Isn’t today the day to once and for all let them go so that you may grow as His disciple?

You alone Father have given me a future that I can never deserve. Forgive my longings for those things of my past that are keeping me from the glorious future You have promised. Let my heart be filled with faith and longing for those promises, that I may cease looking and turning back to those things left behind.