As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Mark 1: 16-18
 
Have you accepted your commission to go people fishin’?  Jesus told Simon and Andrew that he wanted them to fish for people.  And immediately they left their nets and followed him.  Oftentimes, we aren’t quite as quick about it.  We are afraid of fishing for people.  We are afraid it means obnoxiously asking someone if they are saved.  But think about it.  Is that an attractive lure for you?
 
I think a gentler, more subtle approach is much more effective.  The invitation needs to be extended, but maybe you invite your friend, neighbor or co-worker to come with you to a concert or a class at church that interests you.  When someone tells you their troubles you can listen carefully and compassionately and then tell them that you will pray for them.  That can open the door to more conversation about faith. One of the easiest and most effective ways of fishing for people is to see someone in worship that you don’t recognize and then go out of your way to show hospitality to them and make them feel welcomed and important.
 
Remember, there is no limit on how many you can catch.  And, unlike fishing at Milacs Lake, you don’t need your catch to be a certain size.  Pray about this by asking God to give you the courage to put your lure in the water and see what or rather whom you can catch for Christ.  Happy fishing!
 
Pastor Paul