Don't Turn Back In Your Heart

In Acts 7:39-40, Stephen reminded the Jewish leaders that although Israel had been delivered from Egyptian bondage, “our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.” While their bodies remained in the wilderness, their hearts longed for the life they had left behind. This serves as a powerful warning for Christians today. Turning back in the heart often begins long before outward actions appear. Jesus taught that the heart is the source of a person's conduct (Matthew 15:18-19). When believers begin to desire the sinful pleasures of their former life, they are following the same dangerous path as Israel. The Israelites remembered Egypt’s comforts but forgot its slavery (Numbers 11:4-6). Likewise, Christians can become tempted to look back longingly at a life from which Christ has freed them. Jesus warned, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). The writer of Hebrews commended faithful believers because they were not seeking a return to the country they had left behind (Hebrews 11:15-16). Instead of looking back, Christians must press forward toward the heavenly prize (Philippians 3:13-14), keeping their hearts devoted to Christ and His kingdom.