Jesus told his followers that the best way to follow him was to look forward. He said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” In those days everyone knew about plowing. Plowing is hard work. And the only way to keep the furrow straight is to set your eye on a point in front of you. If you look back at what you’ve plowed, you’ll miss the mark.

Jesus was saying that that’s true with life as well. I find that encouraging because it means that if I’m a follower of Jesus, the foolish things I did in the past and the mistakes that I’ve made are forgiven and I can set my sights on tomorrow. When we’re following Jesus it’s a mistake to focus on yesterday – for God promises that the best is yet to come.