Matthew 4:19, Jesus says, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” We all know this important call, but I want to address the importance of fishing with men. Let me explain. For the last two years, when summer is over and the kids are back in school, I have gone fishing with some brothers in Christ. It is a great time of fishing, fellowship, and food. I feel privileged to spend time with these older men. We travel to the Eastern Sierras, God’s Country, and cast our fly rods in hopes of catching the biggest fish.
For me, I love fishing, but more importantly, I love these brothers in Christ. It is important to surround yourselves with brothers in Christ. The men I go with are all from different backgrounds and different professions. Our group is made up of a couple pastors, a designer, a small business owner, and a doctor. I look up to these guys for many reasons, and I wanted to share a few with you. First, they excel at their jobs. They work hard, study hard, and are gracious with their co-workers. Colossians 3:22-23 says, “Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” They are examples of Christ in the workplace. Second, they are heavily involved in ministry but serve with humility and joy. Each one of them is capable of preaching the word every Sunday. Only one of the guys actually has that privilege, but they do whatever needs to be done to help the body of Christ.  Whether it is sweeping floors, folding chairs, serving food, or getting their face s blasted with marshmallows for a game, they are all willing to step up to the plate. Not only are they willing, but they do it with joy. Lastly, these guys love and serve their wives. There is over 100 years of marriage represented by our fishing group.  These guys make time for their wives, serve with their wives, and pray with their wives. Even though they have demanding jobs and are involved in ministry, their wives don’t feel neglected. Their wives are pictures of joy, patience, and love.  
These men are great fishermen, but to me, they are men of God and pictures of grace to me. Unfortunately, I have witnessed men walk away from God. They have left their wives, left their children, or chosen their careers at the expense of their faith. One common thread is that they start down this scary path by distancing themselves from other brothers in Christ. Once they distance themselves, they fall into deeper and deeper sin. I am a sinner, saved by grace, who needs godly men in my life. I am thankful for these guys--they are God’s grace to me. I want to encourage you to surround yourselves with godly men...Fish with men!

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

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One of the prized fish.  We catch and release so this giant will live on!