Eugene H. Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction.

InterVarsity Press, Downers

Grove, IL 60515-1426, www.ivpress.com, 2000. 321pp. ISBN 978-0-8308-6989-3. $15.

Reviewed by Oloyede Odeyale

Eugene Peterson’s book, A long Obedience in the Same Direction is one that is shaping my

thoughts in a very significant way. In the book, Peterson presents the concept of discipleship

as a journey, a process or pilgrimage as opposed to a once-for-all, instant achievement in the

life of the believer.

Reading through the book provided an opportunity to reflect on the “Songs of Ascent” (Psalm

120-134) in a whole new way, with each chapter presented as what appears like a traveler’s

guidebook in a foreign land. The sense of pilgrimage that should characterize the believer’s

thoughts and life resounds throughout the book. It’s indeed a valuable resource to Christians

committed to a conscious and progressive effort to attain spiritual maturity.

It is becoming more acceptable by the day, even among professing Christians that anything

worth having is to be acquired here and now. Many people new to the faith are now quick to

ask, “what’s in it for me?”, and when their immediate expectations are unmet, it becomes very

difficult to keep them in the faith they had very recently confessed. It is in this fast-paced world

where immediate gratification is the order of the day that Peterson advocates a slow,

imaginative, prayerful and obedient walk.

The book contrasts the mindset of a tourist to what the outlook and focus of a disciple and

pilgrim should be. A tourist gets to visit only the beautiful parts of the city, this appears to be

the demeanor of many Christians today that are being taught to expect only the pleasant,

mountain top experiences of life. A pilgrim on the other hand intentionally embarks and
therefore focuses on the destination through a particular direction. In the case of a Christian,

the journey is to God. Also, a disciple’s life goal is to learn and grow in relationship with his

master in whatever direction or vocation the master chooses.

To be successful then, it is essential to have that long obedience in the same direction. It is this

obedience over the long haul that will prepare the Christian for the gradual transformation into

the intended Christlikeness. Each chapter of the book is themed around the important elements

that should characterize the disciple’s lifestyle, namely repentance, providence, worship,

service, help, security, joy, work, happiness, perseverance, hope, humility, obedience,

community and blessing.

Repentance, which Eugene Peterson described as “the first word in Christian immigration” (p.

44) is not an emotion. It is not feeling sorry for your sins, it is a decision. (p. 39). He further

explained it as “a no that is a yes”. It is a realization that what God wants from you and what

you want from God are not going to be achieved by doing the same old things, thinking the

same old thoughts.

Next, we must be wary of the suggestions of our feelings. Psalm 122 urges obedience to the

decree “give thanks to the name of the Lord”, regardless of how we feel. Feelings do not always

represent the truth. Discipleship then is a decision to live by what I know about God, not by

what I feel about him or myself or those around me.

Furthermore, a Christian is one who recognizes that the real human need is not so much for

freedom as we often feel but learning service under a better master. The work of liberation

must therefore be accompanied by instruction in the use of liberty as children of God.

Advocating liberty without the wisdom of service can only lead people into some vain and

ungodly self-exaltation.
It is also necessary to have the right perspective to suffering. It is in suffering that we enter into

the depths; close to where Christ was on the cross. The bible neither teaches us to seek some

quick cures for suffering nor instruct cover-ups to cut the pain and learning process short,

“..suffering produces perseverance” (Romans 5:3). Instead, the admonition is to wait and

watch.

Waiting in hope, we must know, does not mean doing nothing. It is not a lazy resignation to

fate. It means going about our assigned tasks, with confidence that God is in control. It means

resting in the childlike trust that God makes good promises, and that he makes good his

promises. Our Lord gave us the image of a child, not because of the child’s helplessness, but

because of the child’s willingness to be led, to be taught, to be blessed. (p. 212). We must desire

God for ourselves and not as a means of fulfillment of our own wishes.

To emphasize the importance of the community of brothers and sisters in Christ, Peterson

profoundly asserts that “No Christian is an only child” (p. 241). Christians do different things

about the community of faith to which they should belong. Some pretend not to know it exists,

others want to identify with the community only at some preferred times and occasion. Some

stay within the community but causing more harm than good to the body, yet some others make

the effort to find out the reason God placed them in the community and actively learn to

function harmoniously therein.

The Christian experience should be a joyful one. According to Karl Barth, “The theologian

who has no joy in his work is not a theologian at all. Sulky faces, morose thoughts and boring

ways of speaking are intolerable in this science.” (p. 270). If a pastor is not in touch with joy,

it will be difficult to preach or teach convincingly that the news is good (p. 272).
It is as we continue growing, and glorying in our Lord that our capacity to enjoy the pleasures

at his right hand forevermore. Such is the ideal Christian experience according to Eugene

Peterson who himself was recently called homeward into the reward of a long obedience in the

same direction.