Fishing

Fishing

John 21:3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.

I like to go fishing, so did Peter and many of Jesus’ disciples. Fishing has always been a great pastime, but if you go fishing when you should be doing something else it’s nothing but a distraction. Jesus had commanded His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. What did they do? They went fishing. What did they accomplish? Nothing; they didn’t even catch any fish.

Now it might not be fishing that distracts you from carrying out the Great Commission, but as Disciples of Christ we’ve all been given that same command. Go and make disciples. If we put our own desires ahead of His and refuse to obey Him then we’re no different than Peter and his friends. There’s nothing wrong with going fishing, golfing, hiking, or shopping. There’s nothing wrong with working around the house or going on a pleasure trip somewhere. Many people put in long hours working and playing. But if anything takes precedence over doing the Lord’s work then all you’re doing spiritually is fishing, and it won’t be of any benefit to you or anyone else. You won’t accomplish anything.

For a brief time Peter had forgotten what Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19) Don’t make the same mistake Peter made. Don’t get distracted by the world. Go out and catch some people; make some disciples. Spread the word about Jesus—tell them about the salvation that comes through faith in Him.

Have a God Filled Week,
Brother Donnie