No Turning Back: Following Jesus In A World That Pulls You Away

My dear brothers and sisters,

We live in a world of constant pressure—to perform, to conform, and to compromise.

Standing firm for our faith in this world can feel not just difficult—but dangerous.

Some of you feel it in the workplace, in school, in your own homes.

Some of you feel it online, where every opinion is dissected, every belief debated, and every stand for truth is unpopular.

But in the middle of this storm comes a quiet but powerful declaration: “I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back.”

This hymn is not just a song—it’s a battle cry for Christians in a time of confusion, corruption, and compromise. Its origin—a Christian martyr in 19th-century India facing death for his faith—is echoed in today’s challenges.

No, we may not all face physical persecution, but we are all called to die to self, to speak truth in a world of lies, to walk upright in a crooked age.

I. Following Jesus Is Countercultural (Luke 9:57–58)

“I will follow you wherever you go.”

Jesus replied,'Foxes have dens… but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.’”

We are living in a world so obsessed with wealth, image, and comfort. But Jesus calls us to a different road—a road that’s not always easy.

We live in the age of prosperity gospel, celebrity preachers, and consumer Christianity.

But Jesus says: "If you follow Me, prepare to be uncomfortable."

He offers not a mansion, but a mission.

Not a throne, but a cross.

When we sing “I have decided to follow Jesus,” we are declaring:

“Even if I don’t have all the answers… Even if following You costs me popularity, career, or approval—I’m going with You, Jesus.”

II. The Urgency of Discipleship (Luke 9:59–60)

“Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”

Jesus said, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’”

Jesus isn't being heartless here. He's making a point:

Discipleship isn’t something we schedule around our plans. It demands urgency—because the world is hurting, lost, and in need of hope now.

But many today say,

“Lord, let me first finish building my career.”

“Lord, I’ll serve when I retire.”

“Lord, I’ll be bold once it’s safe to speak up.”

But Jesus is calling now. While your neighbors suffer. While injustice persists. While corruption grows. You are the light of the world—not later, but now.

III. The Danger of Looking Back (Luke 9:61–62)

“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom.”

There’s so much that tempts us to look back:

The pull of social media validation.

The desire for comfort over calling.

The temptation to soften our witness so we don’t offend.

But Jesus says: “Don’t look back. Keep your eyes on Me.”

We cannot move forward in faith while clinging to the past—past sins, past hurts, or even past success.

Let go, and follow forward.

IV. Living the Hymn in Today’s World

Let’s reflect on the hymn again in our modern context:

🔹 “Though none go with me, still I will follow…”

Will you stand for truth even when it's unpopular—at school, in politics, or on your social media timeline?

🔹 “The world behind me, the cross before me…”

Will you live differently from the world? When consumerism, corruption, and compromise are normal—will you choose integrity?

🔹 “No turning back, no turning back.”

When you’re tired, discouraged, or attacked—will you still follow?

Conclusion

Friends, the road of following Jesus in 2025 is not easy.

We face disinformation, division, and distractions every day. We are pressured to be silent about injustice, to blend in, to chase comfort.

But I challenge you today—don’t just sing the song. Live the song.

Let your life say: "I have decided to follow Jesus. Though the world pulls me back, I will go forward. No turning back, no turning back."

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus, in this noisy, divided, and distracted world, we choose You. Strengthen us when we are tempted to look back. Reminds us of our calling when we feel tired or alone. May we follow You with courage, conviction, and compassion. No turning back. Amen.