Week 3, Day 3: You’re a Missionary. Learn How to Fish.

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 4:19; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; 1 Peter 3:15; 1 Timothy 1:15

You are a missionary. That’s right, you.  When we think of missionaries, we usually think of people who have committed their lives to serving oversees somewhere far away. Most of us never think of ourselves as missionaries, but we are. God has called each one of us to be a missionary to our sphere of influence.

Your sphere is the people that you do life with: your family, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, families in your kid’s soccer league, the people at your gym, etc. God wants you to be a missionary to these people. He wants you to influence them with the gospel. He wants you to love, serve, care for, pray for, build relationships with, and ultimately to proclaim the gospel message to them.

When Jesus called the first disciples, he said, “follow me and I will make you fishers of men”.  Evangelism, fishing for men, is a paramount part of the calling of a disciple. Paul said he became all things to all people that he might win some (fishing).  Peter said that we should always be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks us to give an account for the hope that is in us.

There is a false idea out there in the church that says evangelism is for the few skilled people who have that gift, or just for the pastors. The bible clearly teaches that each one of us needs to assume the calling of being a missionary to those around us. Whoever that might be. If we are going to take that mandate seriously, then we need to learn how to fish.

Evangelism doesn’t come naturally to many people. Most people are intimidated to share their faith with others because they don’t know how to. Another reason that we often times don’t evangelize is because we don’t intentionally make it a priority. Still others would say they don’t evangelize because they don’t really know any lost people anymore.

All of these are valid reasons why we don’t fish, but they all can be overcome. Learning to fish will take time and effort, but we must make it a priority. If you don’t know how to share your faith, then take some time to learn how. There are plenty of resources to help with this.  If you don’t know lost people, then you must get intentional about pursuing relationships with people who are lost.

God wants us to reach others. There is no greater joy than being used by God to help bring someone into the kingdom. Let’s purpose to become skilled fishers of men!

Questions for reflection: Do you know how to share your faith with confidence? When was the last time you shared your faith with someone? What steps do you need to take to better prepare yourself to be ready to fish?