Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (I Cor. 13:12)

To say that we don’t fully know ourselves is an understatement. Consider:

• We are forced to rely on selective memory. We don’t remember every detail and event that happened to us. Try to comprehend the vast amount of “personal data” that’s simply irretrievable to you. It stands to reason that what we are capable of remembering gives a very inadequate picture of what we’ve experienced.
• We can’t accurately know what our outward appearance and mannerisms look like to others. We only get glimpses from photographs, mirrors, videos…
• We don’t hear the sound of our own voice the way others do. Most of us cringe when hearing our voice for the first time on a recording.
• We are sometimes baffled by our feelings and behavior, suspecting a subconscious drama. Wanting to get a handle on our emotions, we struggle to access the needed information about ourselves.
• We seem unaware of our true capabilities — both for good and for evil.

In light of these thoughts, I Corinthians 13:12 is reassuring. The Lord knows me through and through. This is my place of rest. And He promises that someday I will know myself completely, too. I imagine that in heaven the Lord will replay the video of my life so that I will finally understand myself like He does.

Until then, all “lost” knowledge is kept safe with Him. I’m so glad that it’s not just some cold, non-personal entity that has recorded the hard facts about my life. But I am fully known by my Heavenly Father, my Redeemer, my Shepherd, my Prince of Peace, my Beloved Bridegroom. He does not use His perfect knowledge about me to shame or to condemn.

Most amazing of all, His love remains unflinching…

No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:62)

I used to think this verse said that “looking back” permanently disqualified you from entering the kingdom, but after a closer look, I see that Jesus is here talking about “fit service.” Certainly anyone who wants to plow a straight line will have trouble unless his eyes remain on a fixed point in the distance.

So, too, we cannot produce any kind of quality work in the kingdom if we keep looking back — dwelling on regrets over past sins, past wounds, past failures. Nor will longings for our old life in the comforts of Egypt promote effectiveness.

Looking anywhere, except at the goal, will make us unfit for service in the kingdom. Sideways glances at our neighbor or a habit of staring anxiously into the distant future are just as distracting.

The good news is that a backward look can be rectified. We can choose, like Paul, to put the past behind us and press on toward the heavenly prize.

Lord, this new year, give us courage to keep our eyes on You, to plow straight furrows with joy and perseverance. Thank you for new beginnings and fresh perspectives that give us strength to press on. In Jesus name, Amen.

Dear friends,

You may have wondered why there have been no new posts lately. I decided to take the month of December off because we moved, squeezed in Christmas and now are gearing up for my son’s wedding this Saturday. I promise I’ll be back very soon! Thank you so much for your patience, and if you think of it, say a prayer for my sanity! We are so grateful to the Lord for all He has done for us and so excited about our new daughter-in-law.

Have a most blessed New Year!

Ruth