Going forward

Abstract

I think I'm becoming a collector of phrases. The one currently on my mind is often used by businesses as they discuss a change of direction. " We used to do it this way, but this is how it will be done 'going forward.' " In the old days we would have said, " from now on, " but this phrase works too. Actually, it gives rise to three interesting thoughts along spiritual lines. First, we must be " going forward " in righteous living. Once one becomes a Christian, he or she cannot go back into the world. Granted, many have done just that. Jesus spoke of these in Luke 8:4-15 when He told and then explained the parable of the sower. The rocky soil and the thorny soil represent Christians who stop going forward. " They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. " Since it is the case that not being rooted in God's Word and getting caught up in the cares and riches and pleasures of this life are issues that lead one backward into sin, it is evident that these are actions that we must avoid if we want to please God and go forward toward heaven. II Peter 2:20-22 sounds a crystal clear warning against a Christian turning back to the world. As Jesus stated in Luke 9:62, " No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. " " Going forward, " a Christian should have the attitude of the apostle Paul who wrote, " Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. " (Philippians 3:12-14). Secondly, we …