A long obedience in the same direction has always resulted in something which has made life worth living.
Over forty years ago, the content of Eugene Peterson’s book, “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction” inspired Jocelyn and I. We wanted a lifestyle that would make life worth living. Can’t say that we have been without flaw in carrying out a long obedience, however we’ve persevered by God’s grace. 
And we are better for it.
In the Introduction, Peterson wrote:
Peterson points out one aspect of our world that is harmful to Christians. The assumption that anything worthwhile can be acquired at once. We assume that if something can be done at all, it can be done quickly and efficiently.
It is not difficult to get a person interested in the message of the gospel. It is terrifically difficult to sustain the interest.
In going against the stream of the world’s ways there are two biblical designations for people of faith that are extremely useful: disciple and pilgrim.
Disciple (mathetes) says we are people who spend our lives apprenticed to our master, Jesus Christ. We are in a growing-learning relationship, always. A disciple is a learner, but not in the academic setting of a schoolroom, rather at the work site of a craftsman. We do not acquire information about God but skills in faith.
Pilgrim (parepidemos) tells us we are people who spend our lives going someplace, going to God, and whose path for getting there is the way, Jesus Christ. We realize that “this world is not my home” and set out for the “Father’s house.” Jesus, answering Thomas’ question, “Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” gives us directions: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me” (John 14:5-6).
Tourist
Religion in our time has been captured by the tourist mindset. Religion is understood as a weekly jaunt to church. Everyone is in a hurry. They are impatient for results. They have adopted the lifestyle of a tourist and only want the high points. But a pastor is not a tour guide.
Friedrich Nietzsche, who saw this area of spiritual truth, at least, with great clarity wrote, “The essential thing ‘in heaven and earth’ is …that there should be long obedience in the same direction; there thereby results, and has always resulted in the long run, something which has made life worth living.” It is this “long obedience in the same direction’ which the mood of the world does so much to discourage.
The letter to the Hebrews defines our program: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
[From Eugene H. Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980), 15-16.Have you read the book? Please join the conversation below.
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