This month of celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is an appropriate time to think about one of the most important aspects of discipleship — perseverance.
We are all rightly amazed at the quality and sheer consistency of her reign and should be thankful to God for his answers to many prayers in providing us with such a devoted and dependable sovereign. The secret is not, of course, in the outward ceremonies and trappings of monarchy, in the image portrayed or the privileges enjoyed, but in the inner resolve to do her duty, by serving God and her peoples. Dedicating her life to this vision more than 60 years ago, the Queen’s life has demonstrated the fulfilment of that resolve, year by year, day by day.
Duty
Duty is not a very popular concept these days. It smacks of dry determination, thoughtless and heedless of whatever is happening, gritting your teeth and keeping on keeping on, whatever it takes. But while it may not seem attractive to our self-indulgent, pleasure-seeking culture, it is actually the stuff of progress and consistency. Someone has described the Christian life as ‘a long obedience in the same direction’ and duty is a reflection of the qualities of commitment and perseverance. The issue is not whether we start enthusiastically, with high expectations of what God might do with us, or through us. Many Christians begin the life of discipleship well. The question is whether we will finish well. That requires a sense of dutiful commitment to keep following Christ, which over the years becomes the virtue of perseverance.
