WRITTEN BY DR. JIM GRASSI
If you want to excel and be an elite angler, develop a knowledge base to master the sport. Occasionally, you will hear about some young person fishing for trout in shallow water with a little salmon egg on a four-pound test line with a superhero rod who hooks and lands a monster ten-pound bass. God certainly has a sense of humor as He directs and allows these unlikely things to happen. But most successful fishermen succeed because they are able to skillfully apply the basic principles they learned through study and observation.
Researching and cataloging the best literature, experiences, and advice available helps aspiring anglers develop a sort of instruction manual or journal of important points and applications. When they memorize specific fishing techniques, they’re able to apply the correct strategy at the appropriate time.
Contained within the pages of my own “Fishing Instruction Manual” is a basic formula: F + L + P = Fishing Success. To be successful, know the distinguishing features of the fish (F), the location (L) and structures where they hang out, and how to present (P) the lure. This age-old formula was used by first-century fishermen and is still used by tournament pros.
Jesus knew His disciples had honed their fishing skills and techniques. He wanted them to adapt their knowledge to something far more important – fishing for souls – so Jesus taught them how to be fishers of men. In the Book of Matthew we find what I call “Jesus’ Instruction Manual of Discipleship.” Notice the F + L + P similarities in these first three directions. To be successful fishers of men, we must:
- Be like Jesus, follow (F) Christ’s example.
- Not be afraid of our mission field – location (L) – a fallen and sometimes frightening place.
- Present (P) Christ to others by first publicly confessing Jesus as Lord .
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations…” (Matthew 24:14).
When we study God’s Word and keep a journal of our observations, experiences, questions, and understanding, we grow in our faith and discipleship abilities. We cannot ask others to follow us if we are not following Christ, so we must strive to embody His values, priorities, attitudes, compassion, and loving spirit. Fear of men can strangle the effectiveness of our life and witness for Christ, tempting us to pull back on our testimony, be defensive, or compromise, so we must put aside our people-pleasing tendencies.
Fishing for men means proclaiming Christ to the world, so we must be willing to agree, affirm, and confess that Jesus is Lord. If we believe our faith should be kept a secret, we have missed Christ’s will for us and the purpose of discipleship. When discipleship becomes a way of life for you, you will discover great “fishing” success.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 10:24-33
Personal Application: What is something you passionately pursue? How do you transition from fair to good and good to great? Start a journal of your observations, experiences, questions, and understanding. You might be surprised what God will show you.
- Taken in part from More Than a Fisherman: Making Disciples Who Make Disciples by Jim Grassi, D. Min.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5