Lessons while Fishing 10

Lesson 10: Different Kinds of Fishing Boats

If you’ve ever watched the movie Jaws you may recall the famous line uttered by Sheriff Brody to Captain Quint when they saw the size of the shark circling their small boat : “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” I’ve never been in the situation where I needed a bigger boat because of the size of the fish I had on my line. However there have been times when I wished I had a bigger boat because of the size of the waves and the strength of the wind. Generally speaking, a bigger boat means three things: it’s safer, you can go farther, and you can take more people with you. I have fished from a canoe (not recommended) and fished from a 20-foot boat with a group of friends (much more fun).

In your Christian life you can try to “go it alone,” but it is safer and more fun to go with friends. And I believe that you will go farther in you faith when you have friends who will journey with you. If our life can be compared to a fishing boat (remember, we are “fishers of men”) then some of us have boats that are too small. We are timid and hug the shore. We go after the small fry when we could be hunting sharks. An old gospel song says: “Launch out into the deep and let the shore lines go.” That’s what we need to do if we want to catch the trophies for the Lord.

Mark 16:15

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Lessons while Fishing 9

Lesson 9: Different Kinds of Line

Besides a rod, lures, and bait, recreational fishermen also need fishing line. For those using spin cast rods the line used is usually monofilament, made of a single strand of clear nylon or polyethylene. Anglers who fish with artificial flies us lines that are coated with a buoyant material to allow them to float. Lines are usually designed to be unnoticeable as possible to the fish. Otherwise the fish may be scared off and not approach the bait. The line also has to be strong to be able to hold the fish and bring it in.

Jesus wants us to catch people for the Kingdom of God so that they can have life. We lure them with our genuine faith and moral lifestyle. We bait them with our kindness and friendliness. But we draw them into the Kingdom with chords of love. Our motive must always be love and our methods must always be kind and genuine. We must also be gentle in our approach, almost invisible, like the fishing line, but also strong in our faith so that we don’t lose the souls we are trying to win. Some Christians, by being over aggressive in their witness, have scared off unbelievers. A gentle approach will allow you to get closer to those who may be suspicious or cynical of religion.

1 Peter 3:15

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Lessons while Fishing 8

Lesson 8: Different kinds of Bait

 The big difference between lures and bait (besides the fact that lures are artificial and bait is natural) is that lures are long lasting but bait is temporary. Once I purchase a lure and add it to my collection it is always available to me. It is a permanent part of my fishing gear. With bait, such as worms, minnows, or leeches, I have to get a fresh supply almost every time I go fishing. (I have been know, however, to keep leftover worms in the refrigerator for a few days until my next trip.) But both lures and bait have the same purpose—to attract fish.

Staying on the topic of Christian witness, lures can be compared to those aspects of our Christian life that are always a part of us—our character, our beliefs, and our lifestyle. Bait can be compared to those things that are seasonal or serendipitous. Inviting an unbelieving friend to your home for a barbeque can be bait. It will put a good taste in his mouth, not only for the meat but for your thoughtfulness. Helping someone in trouble can be bait because it allows him or her to taste the fruit of the Spirit that is growing in your life. Every contact you have with others will give them a chance to taste the goodness of God through you.

Psalm 34:8

Taste and see that the Lord is good,

blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Lessons while Fishing 7

Lesson 7: Different Kinds of Lures

Most recreational fishermen, including myself, have a large variety of lures in their tackle boxes. These range from simple spinners to complex lures with sound and lights. In the fishing supply aisle of our local hardware store, I often inspect the latest lures when I am there. Lures have one object—to attract fish. They do this by resembling prey. The lure, through movement, vibration, and color attracts the fish’s attention. If one lure does not work, then I try another and another, until I finally find one that works in the particular place where I am fishing.

As Christians we should be living lives that attract others to Christ. Our lifestyle, our morals, our beliefs, our behaviour and speech should be like a fishing lure—they should attract the attention of unbelievers in a positive way. The early Salvation Army was very good at attracting people to the gospel. They did this first by their uniforms and music, but even more so by their good deeds and caring ministry. People outside the church saw the positive changes in their friends who were converted and this attracted them to learn more about the gospel. Strive to be an “alluring” Christian.

Matthew 5:16(NIV)

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Lessons while Fishing 6

Fishing equipment: rods & reels

 Fishing can be very expensive. There are people who invest thousands of dollars in boats, motors, boat trailers, downriggers, hip waders, rods, reels, lines, lures and tackle boxes. Some spend thousands more for the privilege of flying to remote areas and paying a guide. But there are also a lot of people who with a modest investment of less than an hundred dollars enjoy sitting on a wharf or strolling along the banks of a stream and casting in a hook and worm. The excitement is found in using your knowledge and skill to catch a fish. Sherlock Holmes would say it’s the “thrill of the chase.” This can be experienced regardless of the kind of equipment used.

When you think of witnessing for Jesus you might be tempted to think that you need expensive “equipment” to do this properly. You might think that you need to take special training, enrol in an expensive public relations course, or go to Bible school. You might think that to be an evangelist you need a TV program, or an arena, or at the very least a congregation. But the truth is that any Christian can be a witness for Jesus, and any Christian can be an evangelist in his and her own right. The first disciples were “fishers of men” not because they had big budgets for an outreach program, but simply because they let they light shine and took every opportunity to speak boldly for their Lord. All of us can experience the thrill of the chase as we pursue people for Christ.

 Acts 3:6 (NIV)

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

Lessons while Fishing 5

Lesson 5: Different places to fish

Avid fishermen will fish anywhere they can legally get a line in the water. I have fished in the ponds of Newfoundland, far back behind the marshes and deep within the forest. I’ve fished in the salmon rivers and on the Great Lakes. I’ve fished in British Columbia, amid the towering Rocky Mountains. And I’ve fished in little streams that flowed through culverts underneath the Trans Canada Highway. Sometimes in the most unlikely of places I have pulled out a large trout to my own astonishment.

As Christians we should not limit our “fishing” (i.e. witnessing) to those places we are familiar with or where we feel we have a good chance to succeed. Sometimes we can influence someone for Christ in the most unusual places and in the most unlikely circumstances. Jesus said that His followers will witness for him “in the uttermost parts of the earth.” That includes the most unlikely places such as the factory, the golf course, the shopping centre, and right in our own backyard. You don’t have to wait for the perfect place to fish. Let your light shine just where you are.

Acts 1:8(NIV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Lessons while Fishing 4

Lesson 4: Different ways to fish

When I was a boy my father tried to teach me to knit a net. Being an old Newfoundlander he grew up around fishing boats and knew a thing or two about fishing. I actually learned how to use fishing netting needle and knit several rows of mesh. However, since netting was not my favourite way to fish I learned more practical skills like how to cast a lure and bait with my casting rod to catch trout and how to use my fly rod for salmon. The point is that there are different ways to catch fish. No one particular way is better than another. The angler doesn’t judge the spin caster. And the seiner doesn’t despise the longliner.

Different Christians go about witnessing for Jesus in different ways. Some, like the great evangelists, speak to thousands in stadiums and arenas. Some Christians proclaim their faith by wearing T-shirts with Christian slogans or by putting Christian messages on bumper stickers. Some even tattoo their witness on their flesh. Other Christians quietly go about their lives and let their actions be their witness, responding to those who inquire as to why they are different. No matter how we witness, out goal is the same—to be “fishers of men (and women)” for Christ. Let us not judge one another’s methods, but rejoice over each soul won.

Mark 9:38-40

“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”

“Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, ⁴⁰ for whoever is not against us is for us.