11-21-13

Fishing or Fighting?

We read, "Jesus saw Simon and Andrew casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men!'" To follow Christ you must learn how to fish for men and women, and then do it! This is a valuable lesson I have learned but have yet to apply.

My excuse derived from my previous experiences is that no one in prison is willing to listen and learn about God. And if they do, prison is the devil's playground that zaps the Word right out of them. So, why bother!

But Christ ate with tax collectors, sinners, and the likes. He came to save the lost. He set the example. But in prison, when energy intended for outside is used inside, instead of casting nets, we cast stones. Instead of helping hands we point accusing fingers. Instead of being fishers of the lost, we come critics of the saved. Rather than helping the hurting, we hurt the helpers.

The result? Split followers of Christ. Poor testimonies. Broken hearts. Religious wars. But when those who are called to fish, fish—they flourish. Nothing unites soldiers like a common task. Leave them inside and they'll invent things to complain about. Just like prisoners. The bunks will be too hard, food too cold, leaderships too tough (just like prisoners). Place those same soldiers in the trench and let them duck a few bullets. Or a Christian prisoner on a yard to fish for the lost amongst the devil's soldiers, and a boring barracks or prison cell will seem like a haven.

So I've learned as I strive to do daily, that when outside challenges tempt me to stay inside—get out! Because when those who are called to fish don't fish, they fight!

:)

Rechell Williams #V69138
P.O. Box 5248
Corcoran, CA 93212