Beyond Backwards

There’s something beautifully simple about how we’re made. Our eyes look forward. Our knees bend forward. Cars are shaped to move forward. Even lawnmowers work best when pushed ahead. Creation itself reminds us: we weren’t made for backwards.

This isn’t just biological—it’s spiritual.

The Danger of Looking Back

Imagine backing away from a threat, eyes locked on it, only to crash into an electric fence behind you. That’s what happens when we try to live in reverse—focused on what’s behind instead of what’s ahead. When we dwell on our past or hesitate to obey God, we’re trying to move where we weren’t designed to go. It leads to missed opportunities and spiritual pain.

Setting Your Face Forward

Luke 9:51 says Jesus “set His face toward Jerusalem.” He knew the cross was ahead—betrayal, suffering, death—yet He was determined. He didn’t look back at comfort or easier paths. His direction was clear. No turning back.

That’s the forward-focused faith we’re called to.

The Cost of Following

Someone told Jesus, “I’ll follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20). Following Him costs comfort. It’s not a promise of ease, but a call into sacrifice and the unknown. Before the crown comes the cross.

The “But First” Trap

Several people told Jesus they wanted to follow Him—but first had something else to do. Jesus answered with clarity: “Follow me.”

No excuses. No delays. A plow can’t move straight if you’re looking behind. Neither can a disciple.

What’s your “but first”?

“I’ll serve You, but first let me finish school… build my career… fix my finances…”

These aren’t bad things—but when they delay obedience, they become excuses. Jesus calls us to follow now.

Turning Your Back

Forward faith means turning your back on:

your past—God has already forgiven it
worldly comfort—sacrifice is part of the journey
empty traditions—relationship matters more than ritual
toxic approval—some relationships can’t go with you

This isn’t about rejecting family; it’s about right priorities. “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37).

When You Stumble, Fall Forward

You will stumble. But when you do—fall forward. Don’t let failure make you turn back. Get up and keep moving. God isn’t asking for perfection—just direction.

Your Move

What excuse is holding you back? What comfort are you afraid to leave? The time is now—not when life feels perfect. Jesus is moving forward.

Will you follow—or keep looking back?

We weren’t made for backwards.

Set your face. Drop the excuses. Take up your cross.

Follow Him.

Don’t look back.

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Sam Pharris

Sam Pharris and his wife Sarah are both natives to Cumberland County. They met in elementary school. Sam will tell you it was love at first sight! It must have been, because they dated all through elementary school, high school and college. They attended Tennessee Tech University together, where they both majored in Elementary Education K-8. They even work together now at South Cumberland Elementary where Sam is the Visual Arts Teacher and Sarah is the Librarian. Sam and Sarah began attending Grace in 2002 when Sarah accepted the position of Children’s Ministry Director. They quickly joined the Youth Leadership Team together as well. Sam is now one of our Teaching Pastors and often shares God’s Word with our congregation on Sunday mornings. In their spare time, they enjoy traveling with their family and spending time with their adorable son, Carson.