I was recently reading an interview of the author of the Message Bible, Eugene Peterson. In the interview he was asked questions about living the Christian life. One of his answers was very profound.
He described the Christian life as “a long obedience.” He has also described following Jesus as “a long obedience in the same direction.” That is a great explanation and description of what it means to follow Jesus.
‘A long obedience in the same direction.’ Following Jesus is not a one time commitment. It is not raising my hand and responding to a prayer at a church service, concert or Christian event. Following Jesus is a way of life. It is an obedient way of life. It is a minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, month by month and year by year obedience in the same direction.
Three hundred years ago Philip Dormer Stanhope, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield, wrote about giving care to the minutes of life and not just the years of life. He wrote: “I recommend you to take care of the minutes, for the hours will take care of themselves.” Minute by minute obedience in the same direction.
A few years ago Mother Teresa wrote similar words regarding giving care to the small things in life. She said:
“Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” Faithfulness in the small things of life in the same direction.
It is easier to say and to talk about than to live! As we each seek to navigate living as followers of Jesus in a very conflicted and complicated world, it is difficult to continue to keep these ideas in mind and to practice.
In the middle of the confusion and frustration that seems to be part of the package of life, some throw up their arms and conclude that how life is lived really doesn’t matter. The conclusion is that sincerity is what really matters in life. Sincerity takes care of everything else in life. You just have to be sincere.
Sincerity plays a part but it is only a part. Following Jesus is ‘a long obedience in the same direction’ and ‘taking care of minutes’ and ‘faithfulness in the small things.’
No comments:
Post a Comment