A Long Obedience in the Same Direction

I have a book in my library entitled “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction” by Eugene Peterson. I have to admit that I have never gotten around to reading it but I have always loved the title. The blurb on the back of the book says:

“In an age of thirty-second commercials, thirty-page abridgements and instant banking, it is not difficult to get a person interested in the gospel. It is terrifically difficult to sustain and interest. What we need is not another prescription for quick success, but encouragement to persevere as disciples and pilgrims. Above all, we need to learn to pursue a long obedience in the same direction.”

Jill’s death has challenged many of us in our walk with God. As the wound was fresh many commitments were made concerning bible study, prayer, marriages, discipleship, etc. My question is, how are we doing now that routine life has begun to dull the sting of our great loss? Have our commitments begun to waiver yet? Have you begun to take your focus off of Christ and put it back on other things? I know in my life the fight for a Christ focused life has gotten more difficult each day.

One thing I noticed while reading Jill’s journal is that her amazing relationship with Christ was not made through earth shattering spiritual experiences. It was made through a simple consistent walk with Christ. Jill understood that her walk with Christ was not made by huge sweeping New Years resolution like commitments but rather a long obedience in one direction. She set her sights on Christ anew everyday. As time goes by and God continues to heal his people we need to transfer the reliance of our walks with Christ from the pain of Jill’s death to just a simple obedience rooted in the simple fact that God is God and he deserves our lives. Let’s continue to look freshly upon Christ each new day.