Look Back, Move Forward

Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.  2 Timothy 1:13-14

I am learning that it is vital to look backward in order to move forward. If we are truly honest with ourselves, there is an element of excitement that comes with discovering something new. Its that feeling of unwrapping a new gift on Christmas day or finding that new  coffee shop that hasn’t become popular yet. The best example of this that I can think of is the infamous line in front of Apple stores nation wide when they release a new product. I remember seeing the people waiting for the iPhone 4 and the air seemed to be electric with anticipation. Most of these people were standing in line with their “old” iPhone 3 in hand, but they were enduring the elements for the sake of something new. I wonder if new is truly the most important element to advancement. What if it is the act of looking back unlocks what moves us forward? 

In 2 Timothy 1 Paul incorporates the theme of remembrance as he instructs Timothy. He reminds Timothy of the gift that he has received and the faith that was found not only in him but also in his family. In the center of his exhortation in this opening chapter Paul reminds Timothy of the Gospel. 

 Its a humbling thought.  If Timothy, the preacher of the Word and understudy of Paul himself, had to be reminded of the Gospel, how much more do I need that reminder? How much more do I need to look back and understand what was accomplished for me?

Paul makes it clear that it is easy to be distracted by the new and lose our understanding that is founded on something timeless (3:2-3). Instead, we are to look back to the Gospel in order to move forward in what God calls us to do. It is so easy to lose grasp of the truth, but by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit we can guard the deposit that God has placed in us to empower us for effective ministry. 

As we move forward into a new year and new season, may we have the courage to look back and follow the path God has already established for us to follow.