"No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Luke 9:62
Unstable Christians are poor witnesses. You cannot be an effective soul winner or a true disciple unless you are willing to go straight on for God regardless of what it costs you personally. No wavering or looking back to the ways of the world and the "unfruitful works of darkness" can be permitted. The life of victory demands unreserved consecration, unremitting diligence, and enduring perseverance.
During the Revolutionary War, Washington came with his army to Brandywine Creek. After they had crossed the bridge spanning the stream, one of the soldiers asked him, "General, shall we burn the bridge, or leave it? After all, the enemy might drive us back, and then we would need it to make good our retreat!" Washington gave a memorable reply: "Burn the bridge! It is victory or death!"
When Napoleon was engaged in the great and momentous battle of Waterloo, among those taken prisoner was a Highland piper. Napoleon, impressed by the mans' strange mountain garb and determined air, struck up a conversation with the captured but unvanquished foe. Seeing that he had his instrument with him, Napoleon asked him to play a tune. The highlander obliged. "Now play a march," said Napoleon. Once again, the Scotchman did as he was told. Finally the Emperor said, "Play a retreat." "Nay, nay," said the highlander, "that I cannot do. I never learned to play one."
The saints of God too should never learn to "play a retreat." Bridges of compromise must ever be burned behind us so that we leave no way back into the world. We must make a complete break with our old sinful life.
The furrows of our testimony will only be straight as we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Follow Him no matter what the cost, Christian. Never look back! Never retreat!
"Bread For Each Day"
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