Looking into the review mirror serves a number of purposes when traveling across the country. Just a glance reflects objects or traffic behind us. We can see if an emergency vehicle is coming and we need to move over. We can see if someone is coming up behind us quickly and we need to adjust our course. There is also the possibility of recognizing law enforcement helping correct our negligence in observing the speed laws.

From a more symbolic standpoint, the rearview mirror allows us to look into the past and reflect on the events of the day, week, month, or year. We can determine if goals were met and make necessary adjustments. We can examine what has worked and what has not in order to make course corrections.

Several thoughts come to mind, but these identify the benefits of reflection on what is behind us to help ensure we are moving in the right direction ahead of us.

When spiritual leaders consider a personal and congregational perspective, we have opportunity to lead from a view of Calvary in the past and toward the future reward of heaven.