Accepting God's call is a choice. We are challenged not only to accept that call, but also to leave our old selves behind. Jesus uses the image of a plow to illustrate the importance of the call to discipleship. Farmers need to plow straight furrows to have a productive field. Just as the farmer needs to be attentive and plow forward, we need to be present to God's call and not look back. We are encouraged to plow ahead and live lives committed to justice and compassionate service. (Liturgy of the Word, pg. 212)