The Cost of Looking Back

In 2008, U.S. sprinter Tyson Gay was one of the fastest men in the world. But in a race against Usain Bolt, he made a tiny but costly mistake — he glanced over his shoulder to check the competition. That split second broke his stride, stole his momentum, and cost him the race.

Every athlete knows this truth: looking back slows you down. It shifts your focus, breaks your rhythm, and can cost you the win.

Jesus used this same principle to explain the cost — and the urgency — of following Him.

Plowing Straight Lines

In Luke 9:57–62, three people approach Jesus about following Him. Each one is interested, but each has a hesitation or condition.

To the last person, Jesus says:

“No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

In Jesus’ time, plowing wasn’t easy. Farmers guided a wooden plow behind oxen, and to make straight rows, they had to keep their eyes fixed ahead. Look back even for a moment, and the line would curve. Crooked rows wasted seed, hurt the harvest, and made the work harder.

Jesus’ point: once you commit to following Him, you must keep your focus forward — no second-guessing, no longing for the past, no divided priorities.

Elisha’s All-In Commitment

This image would have reminded Jesus’ audience of Elisha’s call in 1 Kings 19:19–21. When Elijah found Elisha plowing, he called him to follow. Elisha responded by slaughtering his oxen and burning his plow — removing every possibility of going back to his old life.

Elijah allowed Elisha to say goodbye to his family. But in Luke 9, Jesus raises the standard: the mission of the Kingdom is even more urgent. There’s no time to delay.

Looking Back in Sports and in Faith

In sports, “looking back” might mean:

• Dwelling on your last mistake.
• Replaying a bad call in your head.
• Watching your opponent instead of focusing on the next play.

In faith, “looking back” can be more subtle:

• Wishing for the comfort of life before following Christ.
• Holding onto guilt and shame from the past.
• Letting distractions slowly pull your eyes off Him.

Both in sports and in following Jesus, the way forward is the same: eyes ahead, heart committed.

Eyes Forward Living

Following Jesus is like training for the most important race of your life. Starting strong isn’t enough — you have to finish well. That means:

• Releasing what’s behind you.
• Refusing distractions.
• Running every step with purpose.

The mental discipline you’ve built as an athlete is the same mindset Jesus calls you to in your walk with Him.

“The mental toughness you train for in competition is the same focus Jesus calls you to in your faith.”

Athlete Takeaway

This week, identify one thing that’s making you look back — a distraction, a habit, or a regret.

• Remove it or set boundaries around it.
• Replace it with something that helps you keep your eyes on Jesus.

Encouragement from Scripture

“…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…” — Hebrews 12:1–2