Thoughts from the Well

To Catch A Fish!

Colossians 4:3 "…praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ…"

In order to catch a fish, it helps to understand their habits, preferences and feeding patterns. Certain fish prefer smooth, still water, while others like to swim in rushing rivers. Some fish are bottom crawlers, and others like to hide under rocks. Successful fishing requires the ability to think like a fish.

Jesus always knew what unbelievers were thinking. He was effective in dealing with people because he understood the mental barriers they held. We must learn to think like unbelievers in order to win them. The problem is, the longer you are a believer, the less you think like an unbeliever. Your interests and values change. We must intentionally change mental gears when seeking to relate to non-Christians. The spiritual terminology that Christians are familiar with is just gibberish to unbelievers. If you want to witness to the un-churched, you must learn how they think and speak.

It is a waste of time to fish in a spot where the fish aren't biting. Wise fishermen move on. They understand that fish feed in different spots at different times of the day. Nor are they hungry all the time.

This is the principal of receptivity…at certain times unbelievers are more responsive to spiritual truth than at other times. Jesus told the disciples that they weren't to stay around unresponsive people. (Matthew 10:14) We aren't supposed to pick the green fruit, but to find the ripe fruit and harvest it. Take advantage of the responsive hearts that the Holy Spirit prepares. There are far more people in the world who are ready to receive Christ than there are believers ready to witness to them. (Taken from iExalt Insider!)

In Him,
Bill Fritz
October 18, 2001

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Thoughts from the Well