Fueling Your Zeal By Discipleship

Michael Jinkins tells a story about Clarence Jordan, author of the “Cotton Patch” New Testament translation. Jordan was the founder of the interracial Koinonia farm in Americus, Georgia, and suffered ridicule, threats, and finally his buildings burned in protest to his work. Undaunted, he rebuilt and continued his ministry.

One day Jordan visited a minister’s church and was getting a red-carpet tour of the facilities. With pride the minister pointed to the rich, imported pews and luxurious decoration. As they stepped outside, darkness was falling, and a spotlight shone on a huge cross atop the steeple. “That cross alone cost us ten thousand dollars,” the minister said with a satisfied smile. “You got cheated,” said Jordan. “Times were when Christians could get them for free.”

This story reminds us that discipleship is not about a life of ease, luxury, and stained glass windows in an opulent church building. It is the day to day process of growing in faith, learning obedience, and developing a relationship with Jesus Christ.

In fact, the very heart of discipleship is centered around Jesus. In essence discipleship is following Jesus. Being a learner, pupil, and student of the Master. It is becoming like Him in attitude, action, and character. Jesus Himself identified His disciples with these words:

“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” (Lk. 14;27).

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher” (Lk. 6:40).

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me’ (Lk. 9:23).

When our devotion to be discipled like Christ deepens our zeal will be naturally ignited and our passion for spiritual matters will grow hotter and burn brighter. The serious pursuit of discipleship stimulates intimacy with the Father, and from that relationship flows greater zeal.

In a blog post three years ago we offered this observation. A cursory study of the first-century disciples beginning with Acts 2:42-47 reveals that discipleship…

…Requires attachment to the Body of Christ. You can’t go it alone.

…Involves learning. Increasing in knowledge is a must.

…Engages in a devoted, loving fellowship. Think of the “one another” commands.

…Issues itself in worship. Assembling with fellow Christians to praise God is vital.

…Results in evangelistic outreach. How can you not share the joy of your faith?

If all of this raises concerns that you fail to measure up to this Scriptural standard, be advised that discipleship is not an event. It’s a process. A life-long process. In the parlance of the Christian race analogy. Discipleship is not a 100-meter sprint. It’s a marathon. An ultra-marathon.

In the words of Bill Donahue, “Disciples are not just people with more answers to Bible questions who attend more events or listen to more Christian radio. Disciples are people who act like Christ, who are willing to train to be like Him, who practice the disciplines of prayer, solitude, worship, Bible reading and study, community and ministry. They are lifelong learners and lovers of Jesus.”

Too often we view zeal as an artificial, emotional high. The religious zealot with an obnoxious in-your-face confrontational approach is the stereotypical caricature. Yet, discipleship is more often the quiet, behind the scenes effort that engages in the daily disciplines described by Donahue. Yet, this commitment serves as fuel for deeper love for God and a greater zeal for Kingdom work.

Discipleship breeds a positive upward spiritual spiral. The more closely we are conformed to the image of Christ, the more it fuels our zeal. The greater our zeal the more we desire to grow in our discipleship. Of course, the reverse is equally true. When we neglect the daily disciplines of discipleship, our zeal will lessen. As the flame flickers and decreases, our desire to follow Christ will diminish.

Thus, zeal and discipleship enjoy a symbiotic relationship that strengthens, nurtures, and grows one another.

“Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord” (Rom. 12:11).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman