Everyday Christian - Christian Living

In the Bible, in the book of Matthew chapter 4, we see the Lord Jesus calling His disciples. Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee. There, Simon Peter and his brother Andrew were casting their net into the lake. They were fishermen by trade. Jesus said to them, "Come follow me. I will make you fishers of men." The two men dropped their nets at once and followed Him.

How often during our day are we asked to make that choice? Shall we continue with our own agenda or shall we drop our net and follow Jesus? The question may come up far more often than we know. If we aren't listening, we miss our chance.

Picture this:

You are driving in a line of traffic - irritating in itself - on your way to work or an important meeting. Suddenly someone cuts you off or a car is moving so slow that they miss the light causing everyone behind them to spend extra precious minutes waiting.
1. You could silently smolder, growing angrier with every minute that you wait.
2. You could angrily press on the horn to let that person know how unhappy you are with them.
3. You could cuss either quietly or loudly in our car.
4. You could say a prayer for the offending person asking the Lord to make their day easier.
5. You could thank the Lord for extra time to meditate on how wonderful He is.
6. You could thank Him for the reason - whatever it is - that He has set the timing of your day.
Jesus says, "Come follow me."
You answer, no I don't have time. I have to keeping casting this net. Answers 1,2, and 3.
You answer, "Yes Lord." and drop your net. Answers 4, 5 and 6.
You may be at home cleaning the house. Your husband is at work or visiting with his friends. The children are at school or out with friends. There is clutter throughout the house - piles left by each absent family member.
1. You could silently smolder that no one has picked up after themselves, growing angry as we throw dirty clothes into the basket.
2. You could stomp through the house doing our duty as the housekeeper, muttering to ourselves and plan the scolding you will give everyone when they return.
3. You could stomp through the house doing our duty as the housekeeper, muttering to ourselves and decide to give everyone the silent treatment when they return.
4. You could pray for God's direction in how to explain to the family your need for their help.
5. You could pray as you pick up each person's item of clothing or belonging, asking for God's blessing on their life, for their encouragement and protection.
6. You could praise God for the blessing of family and for the good health to be able to care for them.
Jesus says, "Come follow me."
You answer, "No, I'm too busy right now and it is their fault." Answers 1,2, and 3.
You answer, "Yes Lord." and drop your net. Answers 4, 5, and 6.

Everyday, Jesus says, "Come follow me."

Begin everyday with reading some part of God's word. Say to Jesus, "Today I will leave my net (my agenda) at home and follow you.
Pray continually. In every circumstance listen for Jesus' words, "Come follow me."

Before you know it, you will join Simon Peter, Andrew and the other apostles in becoming fishers of men.

(Matthew 4:18-20, Ephesians 6:18)

	Lynne Chapman BellaOnline's Christian Living Editor