Gone Fishing

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19

I used to go to the local bay and fish off the jetty there. I don’t think I ever caught anything even though I’d tempt the fish with tasty bait or wiggle the hook in the middle of their schools. I think the main reason I caught nothing was the fact that I was impatient and kept trying to force the matter.

Jesus told his disciples that he would make them fishers of men. He taught them to spread the good word of the gospel just as he teaches us. You and me. Jesus didn’t use hooks or bait. He didn’t try to force anyone to make the leap of faith. Instead he used himself as an example to others. And that is what his disciples did also.

So too we are to be living examples. To live our lives as Christ would. To be kind and loving. To show our love for others. Not to judge, but to be self controlled. When we do this we won’t need the hooks or the bait. God will shine through us and others will see His glory.

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps 1 Peter 2:21 (NIV)

What are some things you do to be a living example for Christ?

Be Holy

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."


Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
1 Peter 1:13-21 (NIV)

Self Thinking

A Thoughtful Life – Part 3.

This is the final post for my short series about living the thoughtful life. So far I’ve covered thinking about our faith and thinking about others. Today I will cover the surprising need to also think about ourselves.

I am not promoting selfishness, but it’s important:

• To think enough about yourself to know your purpose in God’s plan;
• To know enough to practice self-control;
• To know the things which tempt you so that you are more able to avoid them;
• To know you are allowed to ask God for the things you need and even want;
• To build that personal relationship with God.

When we accept the person God created in us, when we think about how we are fearfully and wonderfully made, then our love for our Lord and His people grows even greater.