Fishing

And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." ~Matthew 4:19


I was recently introduced to a self-help guide or philosophy called FISH by Stephen C. Lundin.  The book uses four core principles to help stimulate and sustain a positive and supportive work culture. The principles in the book include Choosing Your Attitude, Play, Making Someone's Day and Being There.   It's a good and quick read.  However, my mind continued to wander back to where it truly all begins. It is not that the principles are not good or valid, but their true power comes when they are grounded in and aligned to word of God.  For I just don't want to FISH, but be a fisherman of men as I follow Christ.

Principle 1:  Choosing Your Attitude

A common saying in my circle is that our attitudes affect our altitude.  If we operate with this premise then our attitudes, the position of our hearts and minds, should be on those things above and not on things of this earth ( Colossians 3:2).  This is not to say that we simply dismiss what is happening in the physical, but rather how we perceive and choose to respond to those circumstances are based on our trust in the One who is in control of all.  That trust will allow us to be thankful when things are good and not so good ( 1 Thessalonians 5:18).  It will allow us to keep our minds on things that are noble, right and pure ( Philippians 4:8).  When we choose this attitude then we have strength to  rise above whatever is before us and create an atmosphere of praise. We then tap into the joy because we remember that whatever we do is being done for the Lord ( Colossians 3:23-24).

Principle 2:  Play

So often Christians are portrayed or viewed as stiff and boring people bound by rules.  The freedom that exist in knowing Christ is often missing or not evident to others, maybe even ourselves ( 2 Corinthians 3:17).  Perhaps it is because sometimes we think we still have to carry burdens that no longer belong to us.   God tells us in Proverbs 17:22 that  " a cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries  up the bones." God doesn't want us sullen, downcast, and burden by the cares of this world.  It's okay to laugh and enjoy all the good gifts that He has given us.  We can do that here on earth and in the mansions that awaits us. He has given us this day and we are to rejoice in it (Psalm 118:24)!

Principle 3:  Make Their Day

God has called each us into a life of service.  We have been created to do good works that He has created in advance for each and everyone of us ( Ephesians 2:10).  If we are following Christ and the example He has set then we are serving others. Mark 10:45 tells that " even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as ransom for many."   This means that we are looking with expectations ways that we can love our fellow man.   It be could be as simple asking someone how they are doing and not looking for a canned response, but truly letting them know that they matter.  This requires a move away from self as we devote ourselves to lifting Christ up through service to others.   Service moves beyond morality and includes grace because if we are being honest its not always easy to love.

Principle 4: Be There

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33  If I am seeking God first and the things that He declares are righteous rather than what I think is right then I can be present in the moments with others.  For my focus is not on my will, but His.  To-do-list won't dominate my day, but rather His voice that leads me.  I will have the freedom to listen to a co-worker, friend, or stranger.   My yes will yes and my no will be no.  I will be committed to what He has assigned me because He is whom I am seeking to please. In essence I am accountable and so He is because God is faithful and a keeper of His covenant ( Deuteronomy 7:9)


Father I thank You for word and the opportunity to fish for men.  May I be good bait for others as I follow you.  Keep me humble and and my heart with an atttitude to serve.  In Jesus name.  Amen