Go fishing and “catch” life lessons
Your first fishing trip with your kids can be exhilarating. Here are a few tips to remember when fishing with children: * Keep it simple–take limited resources * Keep it short–expect a fun outing but not necessarily a long one * Keep them covered–wear a hat and bring plenty of sunscreen * Keep your cool–expect to rebait and untangle lines * Keep them happy–bring snacks, prioritize conversation, and laugh (active.com) This family outdoor adventure parallels a spiritual truth you can emphasize throughout your fishing experience.
General Fishing Guidelines:
- Pick a fishing spot–Bellevue ponds, Catch’em Lakes at Shelby Farms, or another fishing hole near you.
As fishers of men we must go where the fish are. We need to develop relationships with lost people including neighbors, coworkers, or families on your child’s ball team. Ask God to show you where the “fish” are biting. “Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!'”
- Gather your gear–fishing license (if necessary), tackle (fishing pole, fishing line, hooks) and bait (worms, crickets)
Our fishing license is God’s command to tell others about Him. “Go and make disciples–” Matthew 28:19. God not only gives us permission to share His love with others, He commands us. Our tackle includes those things that help us fish for people. God can use our personal story, the truths in His Word, and our love for people among other things. Our bait is found in Romans 2:4b “–the kindness of God leads you to repentance.”
- Cast your line –When you’re ready, cast your bait into the water– and wait patiently.
As Christians, we should share God’s truth (bait) with others. Not all fish bite, but some will. When a person is open to hearing more about God’s gift of salvation, present God’s truth and invite them to bite (to accept God’s free gift).
- Set the hook and reel it in–when a fish bites, carefully reel it in.
We set the hook by explaining how they can accept the greatest gift of all. “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). When the fish is lured and drawn in by the bait, he still must choose to bite. We can share Jesus with others, but they must choose to trust in Him for salvation. Take pictures of your family’s fishing adventure and post using #OutdoorFamilyAdventure.