Back in January, Glenys and Wendy led a day conference for the women of St John’s, Mattock Lane (substituting for the great Caz who was not available!). The day was based on the book by Eugene Petersen (of The Message fame), “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society”. As Wendy’s typist, I just came across the notes from the day and thought that people might be interested. Here is the Amazon review of the book:

http://www.amazon.com/Long-Obedience-Same-Direction-Discipleship/dp/0830...

NOTES FROM THE DAY

Which of the following do you feel might be true? [1]

• If I had more money at my disposal I would be a happier person [2]

• There are certain things which I really desire to have and I am sure if I had them I would be happy [3]

• If I had a more attractive body and personality, I would find it easier to get what I want in life [4]

• A good education and a good job will bring security and happiness [5]

• Most of the time people can sin and get away with it [6]

• I can read, see, or listen to anything – and it won’t corrupt me [7]

• I can’t be happy if I know that certain people are not pleased with me [8]

• Unless I reach certain standards of excellence, I don’t feel good about myself [9]

• Rewards in heaven? - it’s too remote - I need something to show for being a Christian, right now [10]

• They say that God has given me a lot through Christ, but it’s not enough – I need something else [11]

REFLECTION

“The first step towards God is a step away from the lies of the world. It is a renunciation of the lies we have been told about ourselves, our neighbours and our universe. Repentance 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.” [12]

Eugene Peterson

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: MY ATTITUDE?

Am I tourist or a pilgrim?

Tourist
“My spiritual life is a leisure activity. I’m here really to sight-see not get involved. Getting to know the other tourists or the tour guide is certainly not a priority. ‘Take it or leave it’ is my motto – and if anything’s not to my liking or convenience, I’ll definitely leave it.”

Pilgrim
“My spiritual life is a journey headed for a definite destination. The journey is nearly as important as the destination – I expect to learn a lot from my fellow pilgrims and especially from our guide. I am prepared to keep going even when the path is hard and is not taking a route I would choose. I am ready for a long obedience in the same direction”

REFLECTION

• Where do I need to change my mind (think about the statements on the first page)?
• Where do I need to change my behaviour?
• Do I resemble a tourist or a pilgrim in my spiritual life?
• Ask the Holy Spirit to show you, specifically, any areas where you might need to repent.

You might like to use this prayer to renounce any wrong thought patterns :

Lord I confess I have been deceived by believing that _________________________ I thank You for Your forgiveness and I commit myself to believing only Your truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen” [13]

REFERENCES

1,13 adapted from Anderson, Neil T., Steps to Freedom in Christ, Monarch Publications 2003
2,3 Matthew 13:22, 1 Timothy 6:10
4 Proverbs 31:10, 1 Peter 3:3-4
5 1 Corinthians 1:24
6 Hebrews 3:12-13
7 Proverbs 4:23-27, 6:27-28, Matthew 5:28
8 Galatians 1:10
9 Galatians 3:2-3, 5:1
10 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
11 2 Corinthians 11:2-4, 13-15
12 Peterson, Eugene H., A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society, Intervarsity Press, 1980, 2000

EPILOGUE

• Where am I now with God?
• What has He done for me today?
• What one thing am I going to take away with me?

• What am I going to do to make a difference in my life and in my relationship with God?