Having been reared close by the shores of the beautiful lakes in the hill country of the Tennessee River Valley, my earliest and most pleasant memories focus on fishing the sparkling streams and tranquil lakes of that region. In my experience there is nothing that can compare with the excitement and fulfillment of a successful fishing trip.
I well remember those who taught me the rudiments of fishing. There were many valuable lessons to be learned; the importance of knowing the habits and habitat of the species being sought, the wisdom of knowing where and when to fish and the best bait to use, the motivation and committal reo, Aired to rise early or stay late and the need for patience and perseverance, were just a few of the vital elements necessary in the making of a fisherman. But perhaps above all else was a certain vision and sense
involved in fishing. You had to believe-the fish were really there and would respond to the proper and diligent efforts of a dedicated fisherman.
I'm glad Jesus used the simply analogy of fishing to teach and illustrate the principles of soul winning, or fishing formers. If there is one thing that is more exciting and fulfilling than fishing for fish, it is fishing for the souls of men. The first principle is the necessity to go fishing. It is not an Endeavour that can be successfully carried on by proxy or in theory. You can faithfully read all the books you wish on the subject and regularly monitor the travels of television fishermen, but you'll never catch a fish until you personally go fishing. Jesus did not say, "Sit and I will sit with you," but, "Go and I will go with you." Go is the operative word He used when urging His followers to personally become His witnesses and fishers of men.
It is true that Christians are sometimes more theoretical than practical in this matter of fishing for men. Many attend conferences and study the meaning and methodology of soul winning, but never seem to place their theory into practice. This would remind one of the story of the bait casting champion who had never caught a fish, but could accurately cast his bait into a small bucket from a great distance nearly every time! But, of course, he never caught a fish there!
When Jesus said His disciples should launch out into the deep and cast their nets on the other side, He made the need for personal practical participation abundantly clear. If you are going to successfully fish for men you must go where the fish are. In this age of the so-called "couch potato," it is vital we realize that we cannot just dangle a bait in our lounge room, but must go out into the highways and byways of a world teeming with the souls of lost men and women. We must acquaint ourselves with the habits and habitats of those we seek. We must be ready to rise early and stay late when required. We must equip ourselves to the best of our ability for the important task we face.
But, again, when all is said and done, we must get up and go fishing! Only then will we know the personal joy that faithful obedience to our Savior's. primary command can bring. Only then can we experience the inexpressible thrill and overwhelming satisfaction of catch and preserving souls for all eternity!
My greatest personal fishing trip? It was not the occasion when at the age of 15 was involved in landing an eighty-five pound catfish in the turbulent waters below Wheeler Dam. It was any one of the many times the Lord blessed me with souls as I went from door to door sharing the glorious message of His gospel during over 50 years of such labor!
I well remember those who taught me the rudiments of fishing. There were many valuable lessons to be learned; the importance of knowing the habits and habitat of the species being sought, the wisdom of knowing where and when to fish and the best bait to use, the motivation and committal reo, Aired to rise early or stay late and the need for patience and perseverance, were just a few of the vital elements necessary in the making of a fisherman. But perhaps above all else was a certain vision and sense
involved in fishing. You had to believe-the fish were really there and would respond to the proper and diligent efforts of a dedicated fisherman.
I'm glad Jesus used the simply analogy of fishing to teach and illustrate the principles of soul winning, or fishing formers. If there is one thing that is more exciting and fulfilling than fishing for fish, it is fishing for the souls of men. The first principle is the necessity to go fishing. It is not an Endeavour that can be successfully carried on by proxy or in theory. You can faithfully read all the books you wish on the subject and regularly monitor the travels of television fishermen, but you'll never catch a fish until you personally go fishing. Jesus did not say, "Sit and I will sit with you," but, "Go and I will go with you." Go is the operative word He used when urging His followers to personally become His witnesses and fishers of men.
It is true that Christians are sometimes more theoretical than practical in this matter of fishing for men. Many attend conferences and study the meaning and methodology of soul winning, but never seem to place their theory into practice. This would remind one of the story of the bait casting champion who had never caught a fish, but could accurately cast his bait into a small bucket from a great distance nearly every time! But, of course, he never caught a fish there!
When Jesus said His disciples should launch out into the deep and cast their nets on the other side, He made the need for personal practical participation abundantly clear. If you are going to successfully fish for men you must go where the fish are. In this age of the so-called "couch potato," it is vital we realize that we cannot just dangle a bait in our lounge room, but must go out into the highways and byways of a world teeming with the souls of lost men and women. We must acquaint ourselves with the habits and habitats of those we seek. We must be ready to rise early and stay late when required. We must equip ourselves to the best of our ability for the important task we face.
But, again, when all is said and done, we must get up and go fishing! Only then will we know the personal joy that faithful obedience to our Savior's. primary command can bring. Only then can we experience the inexpressible thrill and overwhelming satisfaction of catch and preserving souls for all eternity!
My greatest personal fishing trip? It was not the occasion when at the age of 15 was involved in landing an eighty-five pound catfish in the turbulent waters below Wheeler Dam. It was any one of the many times the Lord blessed me with souls as I went from door to door sharing the glorious message of His gospel during over 50 years of such labor!
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