But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God”. Luke 9.62

When we read this passage, we usually think it refers to former pastors, former assistants, etc., who neglected to continue doing the Work of God, disregarding it and following their own desires. However, when we take a closer look, we can clearly realize, through the details, its true meaning:

The plow is a tool for tillage, which is used to prepare the land. It was made from a tree branch and shaped like a rake, it was held together at one end with a restraint and an iron shod plate on the other. It was pulled by cows, oxen or donkeys, and guided by a farmer.

For this reason, when the Lord Jesus states this example, He immediately imagines someone plowing the land and looking back, without letting go of the plow. From this viewpoint, we can better understand that this advice is directed to those who are carelessly doing the Work of God, dismissing its importance. The plow, which came to His mind at the time, was a handmade object pulled by oxen, and had to be led by men who were focused on the finish line, keeping the ditch or gully always in a continuously straight line in order to sow the seed and keep the plantation aligned.

Many continue doing the Work of God, and despite the sense of well-being provided by “experience”, end up relaxing in the faith, diverting their main attention from the perfection of the Work of God and failing to focus on their spiritual life. They start missing their past, desiring the forbidden illusions of this world.

We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, onions and the garlic. Numbers 11.5

Meanwhile, their ministry loses value and everyone around them will see their awful work, even though they think everything is under control.

Remember:

For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. Proverbs 1.32