Read Matthew 4:18-22
Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.”
- Matthew 4:19 (NRSV)
For my tenth birthday I begged for and received a shiny new fishing pole. On my first trip to the brook, I was squeamish about pushing the worm onto the hook, so I quietly decided to use the bologna from my sandwich instead.
My brother wondered why the fish were biting for him but not for me. I just held my pole up, shrugged my shoulders, and smiled.
As my brother reeled in the fish and began to clean them, I had a horrible realization. If I caught a fish, I would have to do the same. I quietly pulled in my line, removed the bologna, and threw the line back in with no bait. I had decided I didn’t like fishing. It was more enjoyable to pretend to fish!
I have learned that in my Christian life I sometimes pretend in much the same way. I go through the motions but have no substance. I act as if I am involved but really only give half my heart. I know that if we are to follow Jesus’ teachings and offer the good news to others, we cannot pretend — going through the motions while failing to give our full commitment. Jesus doesn’t want pretend Christians. Jesus calls us to pick up our nets — or our poles — and truly follow him.
Thought for the Day:
I do not want to pretend to follow Jesus.
Prayer: Gracious Lord, help us to be true to you as you call us into ministry with others. Help us to follow you with courage and conviction. Amen.
Prayer Focus: THOSE WHO ARE STRUGGLING TO FOLLOW CHRIST
The scripture quotation, unless otherwise indicated, is from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.”
For my tenth birthday I begged for and received a shiny new fishing pole. On my first trip to the brook, I was squeamish about pushing the worm onto the hook, so I quietly decided to use the bologna from my sandwich instead.
My brother wondered why the fish were biting for him but not for me. I just held my pole up, shrugged my shoulders, and smiled.
As my brother reeled in the fish and began to clean them, I had a horrible realization. If I caught a fish, I would have to do the same. I quietly pulled in my line, removed the bologna, and threw the line back in with no bait. I had decided I didn’t like fishing. It was more enjoyable to pretend to fish!
I have learned that in my Christian life I sometimes pretend in much the same way. I go through the motions but have no substance. I act as if I am involved but really only give half my heart. I know that if we are to follow Jesus’ teachings and offer the good news to others, we cannot pretend — going through the motions while failing to give our full commitment. Jesus doesn’t want pretend Christians. Jesus calls us to pick up our nets — or our poles — and truly follow him.
Thought for the Day:
I do not want to pretend to follow Jesus.
Prayer: Gracious Lord, help us to be true to you as you call us into ministry with others. Help us to follow you with courage and conviction. Amen.
Prayer Focus: THOSE WHO ARE STRUGGLING TO FOLLOW CHRIST
The scripture quotation, unless otherwise indicated, is from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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