When I arrived at our boathouse the other day, fishing lures were spread on the floor from one end of the room to the other. There were plastic boxes of varying sizes and styles with large compartments, small compartments, some made for hanging lures and others made to hold slimy plastic worms.
"Why do you need so many different kinds of baits and so many of each kind?", I foolishly asked. I knew it was regarded as a foolish question by the expression on my son's face.
Without looking up, my son Bill responded, "Mom, how are you going to catch fish if you don't have the bait that they are biting? If they are biting, you want to have extras because you may lose some or your fishing buddy might not have any."
I thought to myself...I see your point. Whether fishing for fish or spiritually fishing for men, we need to have the right bait on our hook or the right words to say to enhance the conversation. I can recall times when I was sharing Christ but didn't follow through because I didn't allow the Holy Spirit to provide me with the right words. Sometimes, I let the conversation drop, or even avoided a question with an answer that did not promote further discussion. If fact, I can recall one time when I simply talked too long and the excitement of discovery was squelched.
You have to choose the right bait for the fish you want to catch. The size of the hook and cork and the type of rod and reel all matter when you are serious about catching fish.
Likewise when fishing for men, we need to be serious about how we bait our hooks. Sharing the message of Christ is the most important fishing you will ever do. Season your words wisely, listen carefully and be sensitive to the conversation so the Holy Spirit can guide you in your responses.
We're going to continue fishing this week. Join me tomorrow for Waiting Patiently for the Fish to Bite.