Thursday, February 8, 2024
It was early in my journey following Jesus that I realized I would never “arrive” until he returned or took me home to be with him forever. It was a little disheartening, because I like to be done with stuff, to check things off my list and move on to the next. This was quite a new way for me to look at the progression of my life.
Many years later, I still have days when I feel like I'm no better a disciple than I was at first. On those days, I remember to put one foot in front of the other and pursue what philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche described as “a long obedience in the same direction.” In a book titled the same, Eugene Peterson writes about discipleship in an “instant society.” He uses the Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120–134), the songs sung by pilgrims during their strenuous journeys to worship in Jerusalem, for encouragement and a guide for long-term spiritual discipline.
Ben offered a similar message last weekend. He said that God is probably more patient with our growth than we are. There are so many examples in the Bible that demonstrate God is in it for the long haul. This perspective is so counterintuitive in our time. We are so accustomed to instant gratification, annoyed that our order won't arrive on our doorstep for two whole days!
I'm not sure this is the patience James had in mind when he wrote this:
James 1:12
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
This verse offers a promise for us to press forward in our pursuit of knowing God better and following his will for our lives. Like the gardener from the parable in Luke 13:6-9, we can cultivate and fertilize, but only the passing of time will bring the harvest we desire. Establishing a system of prioritizing time with God, in community, and service with other believers will create the conditions for moving forward on your spiritual journey.
After following Jesus for 30 years and counting, I trust that every day will bring me a little closer to my goal of knowing and loving him, and finishing well the race he has set for me (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
Questions:
What system(s) could you put in place that will move you closer to your spiritual goals?
Next Steps:
GrowthTrack is a great place to discover the tools God has given you and the systems that can help you cultivate your spiritual life. Groups also create a space for knowing and loving Jesus and the other people who want to experience that as well. Check them out, and start somewhere this week!
Consider reading “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction,” by Eugene Peterson. I highly recommend it!
Prayer:
Jesus, how grateful I am that your divine power has already given me everything I need to live a life that honors you! Help me to know you better as we journey through this life together, trusting that you will never leave me nor forsake me if I misstep along the way. Give me the desire and strength to follow you when things are hard, but especially when things are easy, and I think I can go on without you! You are the one thing I need above all! Thank you for your constant presence in my life! Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
2 Peter 1:3
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.
Today’s post was written by Lauri White, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut.