A Long Obedience in the Same Direction

“A long obedience in the same direction”, that is what the Christian walk is.  This has become my favorite book title, a book which was written by Eugene Peterson.  Unfortunately, even though I have come to love this title, I have never actually read the book.  Yet, I have experienced the reality of what the message of this book relays. 

Christianity is a whole lot less like Walmart and infinitely more like the old country drug store.  In a Walmart world, I can shop anonymously.  My business is my own; I can be completely alone, even though I am surrounded by a multitude.  Even more interesting, each individual in the multitude that fills the aisles of Walmart are just as anonymous.  This may work for shopping, I have nothing against Walmart, but in the Christian walk there is no room for anonymity.  In the Old Country drug store, I must request the item that I want, and the clerk must remove it from the self and hand it to me.  “Hopefully, he is not hard of hearing”, I think to myself as I prepare my vocals for the request.  Where there is anonymity, there can be no accountability.  What is the Christian walk if it does not include accountability in community?  What is love of the brother if it does not include responsibility to my brother? 

As I approach the checkout in a Walmart walk, I do not have to wait very long, if at all.  In place of investing time in the line with the human teller, I can move to a much more impersonal computer.  I don’t even have to talk.  I can get what I want, when I want, as quickly as I want, incognito.  The same cannot be said for the Old Country Drug store walk.  I must wait patiently in line if I hope to enjoy the items that I long for.  Sometimes my wait can be long.  I must remain in the line with reverence and resolve; impatience will not advance my cause.  When it is my turn at the register, the clerk may suggest a different item than I had on my list.  In some contexts, he may refuse to give me anything other than his recommendation.  I am left to accept his wisdom, or leave empty-handed. 

The Christian walk is one that remains in the way regardless of the challenge ahead.  The easier, quicker way has always seemed compelling and profitable.  Two longtime members of a local gym were talking one day.  As they conversed, they reflected over the different kinds of equipment that were available and their personal experience with each.  One of the men paused when they came to discuss the treadmills.  He looked at his comrade and retorted, “I have not seen you use the treadmill for a number of years, have you stopped running?”  The second man looked at his quizzical friend and responded, “oh no, I run outside, it’s not always the most convenient, especially when it rains or snows, but I find it rewarding.”  The first man puzzled for a moment and then replied, “why would you not just run in here, the conditions are always the same and as you said, it is easier and much more convenient?”  Quickly, the second man re-joined, “Because, outside there is a definite start and finish, when I am on the treadmill, I am not going anywhere. I just cannot conceive of spending so much time on one contraption and wind up not going anywhere.”  Many times, the less daunting path leads no further down the road.  We find at that conclusion of the day that we have not traveled on inch. 

In the Christian walk we find many alternative paths.  These paths often seem to promise a less burdensome journey resulting in a superior reward.  Yet, once ventured we realize that they are but chaff, useless and gone in a moment, blown about by the winds of culture.  The long obedience of the Christian walk is one that remains on the road, regardless of the circumstances.  This obedience is informed and encouraged by the knowledge that while everything in this world changes, this old path remains the same.  As the Psalmists suggests (Psalm 1) it is like a try planted by streams of water.  Such a path is not affected by the winds of culture; rather it stands as a beacon of light calling to the meanderings of barren living. 

The long obedience of Christianity is not anonymous, not immediate, not easy, and not open for alternatives, but it is eternally fruitful.  The long obedience offers comradery in an anonymous world which keeps us vigilant during the long hours, encouraged in the midst of struggle, and assured in a culture of instability.  What a title, perhaps I should read the book.  In fact, I believe that I will.