THE FISHERMEN MENTALITY

Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
(Mark 1:14-18)

 You may ask, is there some meaning in the fact that fishermen were among his first and most prominent disciples? Perhaps so.

 

 Remember, as disciples, our job is to evangelize...spread the good news of Jesus throughout the world. Fishermen have some important qualities that are helpful for our discipleship.

1. Patient - Fishermen often need to wait for many hours, even days for a catch. Disciples need great patience, as do evangelizers.
2. Professional – Fishermen need to spend time learning about the behavior of fish, learning to observe the water and navigate, leaning the right time of day and season to fish. They need to know the right bait, the proper use of the net. They need to understand the different of types and behaviors of fish, and so forth. All of these traits are good for disciples and especially for evangelization, which is job number 1 for the disciple.Through growing in practical knowledge we come to know our faith and learn effective ways to be fishers of men.
3. Purposeful - When fishermen are out fishing, it is a focused endeavor. That’s all they do, and everything is centered on the main task. They are single minded. Disciples surely need more of this attitude. The Book of James says, The double-minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8). St. Paul says, But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:13-14). Every disciple needs to be more single minded.
4. Pursuing - Note simply that they go to the fish. Too many churches merely open the doors and hope people come to them. This is not evangelization. The key word for disciples and evangelizers is “Go.”
5. Partnered - Fishermen work in teams. Thus Jesus sends disciples out, two by two.
6. Persistent – If fishermen don’t make a catch today, they’re back out tomorrow. Disciples surely need to persist, both in their own journey and in making disciples of others.

Let's allow God to make us fishers of men today. 

 

 

PRAYER:

 

Dear Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for being your child.  Thank you for salvation that sets the sinner free. Show me how to be a great disciple. I want to have that fishermen mentality.  Open my territory and order my steps as I go out to draw others to you.  I'm leaving everything behind me so that I can press toward the goal.  Team me up with other fishermen who are eager to build the Kingdom. In Jesus' name, amen.

 

Now, let's go fishin'!!!