Plowing Along

I spoke about harvest time on Tuesday, and as it continues, it stays on my mind. There are so many analogies between farming and Christianity. Jesus used many in His parables.

After the beans are cut on some fields, the farmers start plowing the ground to plant winter wheat or just turn it for next year. Fields aren't plowed as often anymore, with the no-till planters farmers have today. When it is plowed, the plowblades turn the dark soils over, exposing what's underneath. There is a moist, earthy aroma that follows the plow.

I did some plowing on my family's Midwest farm when I was young. When you plow, you have to pick a point at the other end of the field and drive to that point. You then follow that first furrow, still looking forward and not looking back so your furrows are straight. You can't keep looking back at what you've done or where you've been. For those who have never plowed, it's similar to mowing with a rider.

Jesus says in Luke 9:62 that no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for service in the kingdom of God. Once you begin God's work, which starts when you decide to follow Him, you can't look back. If you look back to the world and all it's temptations, you can be drawn back. And your rows of service to Him, your walk with Him,won't be straight and true.

Stay focused on what lays ahead. Don't look back.