A Good Day To Go Fishing

Editorial by Jerry Lutz

While not everyone has the gift of evangelism, at least in the traditional sense of the word (preaching an evangelistic series or conducting a prophecy seminar), anyone who takes the name of Jesus Christ as their personal Savior is, indeed, an evangelist. A transformed life—one that follows in the footsteps of Jesus—is a tangible, powerful testimony to others about God’s plan of redemption. As it often has been observed, living for Jesus is one of the best ways to point someone to Him and a wonderful example of true discipleship. Living for Jesus leads us to walk in love, the very foundation of His teachings. When we allow love to guide our actions and decisions, we reflect the character of Christ in our lives, attributing value and dignity to everyone we meet. Thus, love becomes a powerful tool for transformation for both us and the world around us.

As many of our churches are currently conducting meetings or planning outreach programs and evangelistic series this coming fall, let us not walk into the trap of thinking that evangelism is just an occasional event that is best conducted by professional evangelists, pastors and Bible workers. Let us, instead, recognize that people are most effectively drawn to Jesus any time of the year by those who know Him. So, if you do not have the gift of preaching, then personally invite someone to come with you to hear someone who does. And show them, by your kindhearted spirit and Christlike attitude, what someone who lives in and for Jesus looks and acts like. After all, isn’t that what Jesus meant when He said to His prospective disciples, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men” (Mark 1:17, NKJV)? Well, today looks like a good day to go fishing!

Jerry Lutz is the president of the Chesapeake Conference.