October 20, 2008
Fishing
The
yellow leg walked out to the top of his thighs in water, then periodically
dipped his bill down and came up with a small fish. If you don't think that's
marvelous I suggest you try walking out in water to the tops of your thighs,
then bending over and catching a live fish in your teeth.
As
the camera zoomed in they showed an osprey dove catching a trout.
Two
totally different species of birds, both fish eaters. Two totally different ways
of fishing. The yellowlegs could never catch a fish by diving from the air, it
would starve to death. An osprey couldn't wade out deep enough to catch fish the
same way the yellowlegs does.
God
created diversity for a reason. He's a master craftsman and artist, with skills
unmatched by all the masters on earth combined.
There's
diversity in the church. One of the biggest blessings is that Christians aren't
called to be little robots and be exactly the same. We're created in His image,
gifted and talented individually and called to fill a plan that He has designed
for each one of us as individuals.
Instead
of bickering and fighting over issues such as music styles, dress, and the like,
we should be rejoicing that God's Word is reaching different people with
different needs. Some like very ritualistic "church", for others that
is very uncomfortable. Some like contemporary music others don't like music at
all. Some wouldn't dance if their lives depended on it, others can't sit still.
As
long as the truth is being proclaimed and people are drawn to Christ, we should
celebrate. We're busy fighting like spoiled children over methods, when it's the
message that counts. God didn't create you or I as the center of the universe.
It's silly to think that everyone must want to do things the same way as you or
I do. No it's worse than silly, it's sheer arrogance.
Though
I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as
many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those
under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the
law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became
like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under
Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak,
to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible
means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may
share in its blessings.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NIV
The
osprey and the yellowlegs fish differently. The same is true for ministries. If
it doesn't compromise the truth of Scripture and the need for Jesus, I'm all for
it, even when it doesn't suit my personal tastes. If Christ is truly the center
then it is not the time for me to build a fence of separation as long it all
glorifies God and lines up with scripture.
Until
next time, remember we're all called to be fishers of men. Fish using the gifts
God gave you and don't worry that it's not the same way someone else is fishing.
Some
use nets, some use a pole, some stand on shore, some go in the water, Do your
fishing according to the Word and how God leads you to do it.
Don’t
get used to fishing on just one side or your side of the boat, try the other
side and let down your nets, fences and walls so God can do what only He can do.
Don’t
let your way become a hindrance to God’s way.
Be
blessed
Darrel
Mason