Keepers of Aquariums vs. Fishers of Men

Today as I rode back on the train from work I spent some time thinking about the current state of the church.  I am not sure how the church is functioning all over the world, but at least in the United States, the church is more full of “Keepers of aquariums” than “Fishers of men.” 

In the Gospel according to Mark, in the first chapter, we find the story of Jesus calling two fishermen – Simon (later known as Peter) and his brother Andrew – into the ministry.  Jesus simply walked up to the fishermen, on the coasts of the Sea of Galilee, and said, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”  I am not sure if it was because of Jesus’ charisma, presence, aura, or sheer supernatural power, but the two brothers immediately left their nets and followed Him.  I am sure they did not know it at the time, but they would become key revolutionaries in a movement that would change the world.  The tactics they used to lure and catch fish would become part of their repertoire for luring, catching, cleaning, teaching, mentoring, and then releasing men into the world to do more of the same.

The early church developed believers who were passionately on fire for God.  Their contagious energy was hard to resist and they brought non-believers, unbelievers, and pure heathen in contact with the power of a loving, caring, and saving God.  That hunger, thirst, passion, and power is often missing from the church today.  Many of our believers, instead of being fishers of men, are satisfied with being keepers of aquariums.  What I mean by that is: instead of seeking out the lost, many Christians today are satisfied with simply hanging out with the found.  They like to go to church (the aquarium) and surround themselves with other believers (fish), just so they can check out their nice colors (clothes).  We are so enamored with ourselves that we have lost a desire to intermingle with and draw those that that are in need of a Savior!

Catching and cleaning fish is messy work.  Well, so is true ministry.  True ministry, Jesus ministry, is messy.  True ministry involves reaching drug addicts, the homeless, lesbians, homosexuals, witches, warlocks, and all those that nice, clean, churchgoers simply don’t like to deal with or even talk to. 

Are you a “Keeper of aquariums” or “A fisher of men”?  Let’s talk about it.