Fishing in the wrong place?
“Being with nonbelievers is the first step in fishing.” We are to be channels of God’s Truth and Love, not reservoirs. They are His gifts. We were created to give His gifts of love, truth, and even our lives away. Sadly, many of us cling to the safety of Christian fellowship and never venture out to where the fishing is really good. It requires work, effort, planning, and sacrifice.
I believe that in this slow journey of spiritual maturity there are many “subtle” stumbling stones. They disguise themselves as pointers, but after spending any length of time around their arena — you will stumble. One is self-righteousness, the other is social isolation. God’s Word states “none are righteous!” Only Jesus did what needed to be done. Only Jesus is righteous! It is His righteousness that intercedes for us with our Heavenly Father.
We create a cocoon of safety within the confines of our church and Christian fellowship. We build walls around our prejudiced theology reluctant to let anyone or anything in from the outside. We fear that these outside influences might spoil our purity, our holiness, our self-righteousness. Jesus said “Go!” and make disciples. Filling your head with the knowledge of God’s Word is important, but James says “Faith without deeds is dead.” “He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet. “ (Proverbs 27:7)
“Being in the world, but not part of it” can be hard to separate. Some temptations are too strong for some and not for others. Break down the barriers preventing you from fishing in good spots. If invited, go to the bar with friends and have a “good” time. Go to office picnics and shine! Join the local softball team and make a difference for love! Chaperone your teenager’s dance and let God’s goodness speak through you! Coach your child’s soccer team and model honesty, charity, grace, and mercy! Be different for goodness’ sake!
Jesus says this in Luke 7:31-35:
“To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.’ For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.”‘ But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”
O Father! Where are You in times of trial and trouble? When nothing seems to make sense? When fear grips my mind in a desperate attempt to render my heart? When dread overwhelms my hope in the future? When love fades and pride focuses? When my strength dissipates and my body moans for nourishment? When I am abandoned and left in painful agony? 
