Reel 'Em In

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.” - 2 Corinthians 5:20a

Did you know that there is a difference between “fishers” and “catchers”? Fishers like to talk a big talk and they even have some success with which to boast about and to gain attention with. But catchers, they feed people. Fishers, showboat for a short amount of time with little effort, all for notoriety and sponsorship. Catchers, work long and hard, with purpose and passion, all for a meal and the joy of the catch and to meet the needs of others. In short, fishers, fish but catchers, catch. In other words, those that fish make little impact and have no lasting reward. Those that catch, they change lives and are remembered forever. They don't do it for glory or fame that fades away with time. They do it for a purpose bigger than themselves. One that has everlasting repercussions. I am sure you get the sense we are no longer talking about fishing. You would be right. 

God called us to something bigger than ourselves. He calls us to be the reel. As one author has said, “We are the reel, Jesus is the lure, and God is in control.” The truth is, when it comes to fishing and catching, it doesn't much matter if you use a reel that costs $100 or a reel that costs $30. One may last longer than the other because of quality and construction. But neither one will catch you more fish than the other. Because, the difference is the person doing the casting. God brings the fish and supplies the bait, he asks you to do the casting. You learn to do that right, and you will eat heartily for all eternity. 

This week, consider your role in God's unfolding plan. You have been called to be His hands, His feet, His mouthpiece. In light of the lesson above, you have been called to “reel 'em in.” Are you doing that? If so, how are you doing that and can you do more or better? Every fisherman has to adapt to the water and the fish and change their bait and technique up as needed. If you aren't, “reeling 'em in,” why? What is stopping you from being obedient to God?