Moving at the Speed of Creativity by Wesley Fryer

Thoughts on fishing, contentment, and focus

A few thoughts and verses to remember from this morning’s men’s group. 

One of the most valuable and beneficial things I try to do every week is attend Friday morning men’s group at my church here in Lubbock, Texas.

This morning the focus of our lesson was “contentment,” and several things were discussed that are worth noting here and sharing.

Fishing or Aquarium Care?

The first was a quotation that was shared. God, through his son Jesus, called us all to be “fishers of men.” How many of us in the Christian church, however, spend our time taking care of the aquarium rather than going out into the open ocean and fishing for others? I think this is a powerful metaphor. The sea is a dangerous place, full of uncontrollable variables like storms, unpredictable winds, uncertainties about food and water. This was particularly true in the days before internal combustion engines, GPS receivers, dehydrated food, microwave ovens, satellite phones, Internet connections, etc. It is much more comfortable to stay in the comfortable confines of one’s church, among the body of believers, and convince yourself that the extent of the ministry to which you are called can be found there. Clearly we are all called to serve and be in ministry to each other, to build up the body of Christ. But evangelism does not mean just caring for the fish already in the aquarium — limiting the focus of our ministries to the church building we may know and be comfortable with. We are called to fish in the world outside the church doors– in the oceans of uncertainly, risk and even danger. We are called to bring others not familiar with the church– fundamentally with the teachings of Christ, into the body of believers (which is the church.) This is often an uncomfortable experience and process, much like sailing in an non-motorized, wind-powered vessel on the open ocean would be. Yet it is the clear mandate of Christ:

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

Mark 1:16-18 (NIV)

Making the decision to be content

In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul stated:

“I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV)

This lesson today was evidently prepared especially for me. I need to be reminded that each moment of each day, we decide what our focus is on– and in so doing decide whether or not we will be content with the circumstances, gifts, and opportunities of the present. Making a choice to be content is not the same as being lazy– far from it in fact. It is a choice to take time to rest, to take time to pray, and to give thanks for blessings which God has bestowed upon us.

It comes down to focus: Am I focused today on Christ, or am I focused on my circumstances? If I focus on my circumstances, then my attitude will be like the stock market, constantly fluctuating up and down in an unpredictable manner even “the experts” cannot forecast with certainty. But if instead, I choose to focus on Christ, then I have decided to be content, to have an attitude of thanksgiving and joy which is as certain today as it was yesterday and will be tomorrow.

I think it also comes down to the idea of intentional living: choosing to make choices today that reflect the commandments which God has placed upon me, and the resultant priorities which I must have for my life. These manifest themselves in the ways I spend my time each day. Some of these things are not complicated, difficult or expensive. To be content, I not only need to focus on Christ and God’s Word, but also take care of myself. I need to go to bed early, eat healthy, and exercise each day– even if it is just a short walk at the end of the day. These activities and choices build margin and perceptions of sanity and control in a world that is chaotic, unpredictable, fatiguing and unforgiving. God is in ultimate control, but too often I forget that and let my circumstances and the demands of the world to rule my daily schedule as well as my immediate focus.

Those are poor choices.

The better choice is to focus on Christ, the gifts he has given me this day, and the opportunities for ministry which he will present today. This choice yields the fruit of contentment. I have no choice but to live in the unpredictable ocean of risk, challenge, and tempestuous weather– I do not remain in a safe aquarium of predictability and perceived comfort. Yet I can find predictability, certainly, and comfort in the focus I choose to have for my mind each moment of each day.

And that focus is not complicated, difficult, or expensive. It is simply Jesus. 

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On this day..


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