Depth over Breadth

The frustrating thing about walking with disciples into a deeper relationship with Jesus is simply the amount of time it takes. In my impatience, I want quick results in six weeks or less, reports of salvations, and church plants springing up in the most unusual places. What does Jesus' example show us about true discipleship? Twelve steady friends on mission, three of those men super close, and only one whom self-proclaimed he was "loved the best" (John 11:3, 5). It was not hundreds he poured into on a regular basis. In fact, we read that the hundreds who followed Jesus for a season rejected his toughest teachings and deserted him (John 6).

Intellectually, we know discipling relationships need to have longevity. At least one year to go through a season of ups and downs together including birthdays, Christmas, and Easter. In this time, there are opportunities for all those in the relationship to grow and learn. Maybe even argue. This natural, seasonal tension creates character, allows for love to grow deeper, and for there to be accumulative Kingdom wins. Small progress sometimes hard to define in the moment, but looking holistically, show incredible development. As God is patient with us, wanting no one to be separated from Him, so we are to be patient with others (2 Peter 3:9). 

All of this article was inspired by recent research with encouragement to keep up the good work! For an amazing resource on how to grow slow with intentionality, please check out 1body.church. Lee Wood shares with vulnerability his learning experience. Lee says at first he did not get the need for patience and longevity for disciple making. I learned from his stories, found explanation for my own shortcomings, and want to keep focusing on depth over breadth! 

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