March 23
But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.
—Genesis 19:26
Don’t Look Back
Lot’s wife is a minor biblical character, usually remembered only for her final sin against God. Her direct disobedience cost her everything, and it only took a tragic moment for her to lose her life and family. Today, let’s look beyond that final moment to discover what drove Lot’s wife to disobedience and what we can learn from her.
God hasn’t turned people into salt statues since then, but He warns strongly against continued disobedience. Moreover, disobedience isn’t always what we think it is. As Christians, we strive to avoid obvious sins such as those listed in the Ten Commandments or those explored at length in Bible stories. However, we often let ourselves get away with what we deem small, insignificant sins.
Lot’s wife fell into this trap. God asked Lot and his family not to look back as they fled Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot’s wife probably intended to obey, but possibly figured one quick look back could do no harm. She may have built a good life in her home, feared for friends and family members or simply been afraid of what awaited her in a new land. We can sympathize with her reasons, but whatever they were, they drove her to sin.
We often have the same problems—especially when it comes to looking back. God admonishes us to focus on what’s ahead rather than behind, in both the Old and New Testaments. That’s because He knows looking back too much can lead us into insidious sins such as worry, fear and fretting. We won’t become literal pillars of salt, but as we do these things, we’ll become paralyzed, unable to worship and serve God effectively.
God wants better for His children. If you’re struggling with looking back or any of the sins it can lead to, be honest with Him today. Ask Him to help you look forward again.