Perseverance

Eugene Peterson wrote a book on discipleship entitled A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society. The title alone offers a clear description of the essence of following Jesus, and a pointed reminder of why we struggle! Any publicly-traded company is under the tyranny of the quarterly earnings report. Investors want to know every three months what their return is. We like our food to be fast, our banks and pharmacies drive-thru, and our packages delivered in two days if not faster. If discipleship could be microwaved we would love it.

. . . in your faith supply virtue, and in your virtue, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness . . . 2 Peter 1:5-6

In the sequence that Peter offers us, we begin with trust, to which we must add virtue. We cannot grow in virtue without knowledge, and knowledge is of no use if we are simply out-of-control. Therefore, we must add knowledge and self-control. Once we have understood what is good and managed to act accordingly through self-control, we need to stick to it. Here is the long obedience, the steadfastness, or what we call perseverance. 

We may mistakenly think we are changed as soon as we know something in a better way. However, knowledge is only a renewing of our thinking and understanding, and part of, though not all of, the transformation of the person (Romans 12:2). Knowledge may come quickly if we are searching and willing to learn, but the long obedience which is based on that understanding still lies before us.

Jesus spoke about perseverance in the Parable of the Sower. The rocky ground he likened to the person who does not persist when troubles come (Matthew 13:20-21). His parable about the wise and foolish bridesmaids waiting for the wedding party (Matthew 25:1-13) and the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8) also emphasize this theme. Consider also his invitation to “follow me”. This call implies a continuing and long-term involvement. The rich young man asked what “good deed” he might do (Matthew 19:16), and Jesus replies, saying, “follow me” (Matthew 19:21). It sounds like the young man wanted something easily accomplished but Jesus invites him to a long obedience.

In discipleship, slow progress or barely perceptible change, is not a sign of failure but the norm. The journey is long, but we take it in the company of others.

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12

Settle in for long journey. There is nothing about following Jesus that is instant . . . except perhaps the realization this will not be quick nor easy.