Some people fish for compliments. Others fish for success. Some fish for acceptance. But what is it you’re fishing for?
Peter, Andrew, James, and John were all fishermen. When Jesus called them to be His disciples, He said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). They were used to hauling fish in their nets, but I bet fishing for men was something they’d never thought they’d experience. But I’m sure the similarities weren’t lost on them.
When they were fishing, they had to go where the fish were. When they were Jesus’ disciples, they had to go where the people were. But fishing for actual fish required catching the fish by surprise and trapping them. Fishing for men wasn’t about trapping them but about enlightening them. It was about going to them and casting a net, hoping to draw people to Christ. It required a lot of patience.
But in today’s fast-paced world, patience can be hard to come by. Our priorities have changed. More people are focused on material things rather than spiritual. Instead of fishing for men, we fish for success, compliments, wealth.
Andrew and Peter left their boat to follow Christ (Matthew 4:20). James and John left their ship as well (Matthew 4:22). But so many of us are still hanging on to our ships when Jesus is calling us to fish for something else.
Fishing for men requires patience, a willingness to wait. Are you willing to put all else aside for Christ? Are you willing to prioritize fishing for men? Are you willing to cast a net to draw others to God? Are you fishing for men?
If not, what are you fishing for?
