Shokukin as an Approach to Discipleship

Jiro Dreams of Sushi was one of the better documentaries I've seen in quite some time. It's about a sushi chef named Jiro (obviously) that approaches his work with responsibility, commitment and a sense of contribution that results in a good life for him and those who come to his restaurant.

Jiro is so successful that at the time of the filming the reservation to eat at his restaurant was several months... months!!! And that is with dinner ranging between 15-20 minutes. That must be some good sushi!I like people who pour themselves into something in an obsessive manner. And Jiro fell into that category. During the documentary they referred to him as shokukin. Shokukin is a person who approaches their work with the artisans or craftsman's spirit; that is, a spirit that will continue pursuing beauty and perfection in their work, but there's more to it than just perfectionism, there is also a belief that the world will be better because of your hard work. As commentator Tasio Orate wrote, "The shokunin has a social obligation to work his/her best for the general welfare of the people."

A person who approaches their work with such a perspective will indeed do well in business, but also in life, because their life will emerge from within and bless those it touches on the outside.I then began thinking of shokukin in terms of discipleship to Jesus and I remembered this quote by Scottish pastor, Robert Murray M’Cheyne:

The greatest need of my people is my own holiness.

That is shokukin.

Because it contains the inner and outer impact of ones life with God. And both he and his parish are blessed by it.

I really do believe that discipleship to Jesus is the best opportunity that a person can receive in this world. Indeed, the best thing that can happen for a neighborhood is for one of its residents to become a disciple of Jesus, and the best thing that could happen to a school is for a student to become a disciple of Jesus. And on and on it goes. Because true discipleship reaches in deeply and reaches out widely to bless those it touches. It is inherently shokukin in this way, but much more.

Throughout the history of Christianity women and men have taken their discipleship so seriously that it left a gigantic imprint of goodness on the planet earth. But one doesn't need to set out to make a huge mark. Indeed, those who do usually end up missing the mark. One can begin right where they are. In fact, up to this day God has never blessed anyone except where they are. So you can begin now right where you are.

Whether you are a middle school student, starving artist, stay at home parent, mid-level executive, homeless peasant, or even a sushi chef, you can begin learning to live your life from Jesus in the power of the Spirit he imparts to you. And as you do so not only will you be blessed by the transformation you experience within, but those around you will be blessed through you.

Thank you for reading!