LETS GO "FISHING"!
As we rapidly approach Pentecost Sunday on May 19, 2013, I am being shaken and stirred with a fresh enthusiasm and expectancy concerning the Great Commission that Jesus gave his disciples in St. Matthew 28:19, when he said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
St. Matthew 4:19, records the words of Jesus to his disciples, "And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
The question that must be answered is what does it take to go "FISHING" in the 21st Century?
I believe that if you are passionate about reaching the World with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, you must first reach your "World" with the Love of Christ. In order to reach your "World" with the Love of Christ, you must know the rules of engagement:
Rule # 1 - You must interact with your "World" and show a genuine interest in the lives of others.
Rule # 2 - You must gain influence with those in your "World", through trust, that will cause them to want to follow you to Christ.
Rule # 3 - You must make an positive impact on your "World" through a consistent example of love and lifestyle
In order for the rules of engagement to be effective, you must know where to "fish", and what "bait" is necessary to catch the "fish". You do understand that when I say "fish", I am referring to people, and when I say "bait", I am referring to process.
So, lets begin with where to "fish". Where should you go to effectively engage people? Let me give you what I believe to be the most productive "FISHING SPOTS".
The first is called "Circles of Influence". A "Circle of Influence" is any environment or place that's intrinsic in your life, and necessitates organic relationships for your life.
Examples of a "Circle of Influence" would be your Family, your Job, School, your Community; Anyplace where you find yourself on a regular basis that demands some level of intimate interaction with others.
"Circles of Influence" are largely familiar, which requires that you find a creative way to engage those you already know, in a way that they may not expect, so you can create a fresh and exciting opportunity to lead them to an awareness of what they need.
The second "fishing spot" is called "Points of Impact". A "Point of Impact" is somewhere you may not go on a regular basis, but when you do, you will inadvertently meet people you have never met before, which compels you to step outside of your comfort zone and familiarity, and explore new experiences and relationships.
Examples of a "Point of Impact" would be going to a Shopping Mall, the Fitness Club, a Hobby Class, or maybe just having dinner with someone from your "Circle of Influence.
A "Point of Impact" is quite liberating, not only for those you want to reach, but for yourself as well, because it allows you the opportunity to reinvent yourself, and discover a new approach to making friends, engaging conversation, and building relationships.
Jesus spoke to his disciples, as they became skilled "fishermen", and said, in St. Matthew 10:16, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."
Now that we understand where to "fish", lets deal with how to "fish". I personally prefer one "bait", LOVE. As I peruse through the Gospels it seems that the most effective "bait" that Jesus used was LOVE. As a matter of fact, I don't find him using anything but LOVE.
Jesus admonishes his disciples in St. John 13:35, when he states, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
So, what does this "bait" called LOVE look like in practical application?
LOVE is simply the process by which you win people to you, before you attempt to lead them to God. May I state a very hard, and somewhat harsh truth? If people don't like you, they will not like your God. It really doesn't matter how much God you know, if it is distorted by how much God you show, or how you supposedly show God, which determines how attracted others will be to God.
Acts 10:38 gives us the most comprehensive encapsulation of how we should "show" God, when Luke the Apostle writes,"How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good,and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him."
NOW, LETS GO "FISHING"!
written by Ricky Allmon
©2013 Ricky Allmon
www.rickyallmon.org
info@rickyallmon.org
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