Written by Special Guest Contributor, Jim Martin | July 25, 2024
While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” -Matthew 4:18-19
I think the average person probably believes they are generous. They may give money, they may volunteer or they may just be kind in how they treat others. But it’s true, when viewing generosity holistically, I will give people the benefit of the doubt and say most people are generous. However, we’re also all creatures of habit so we tend to be generous in how we have always been accustomed to doing.
Likewise, when Jesus interrupted the lives of Simon and Andrew, they were probably fishing just as they normally did. Not with the best net, perhaps not the best strategies, but certainly they fished the way they had always done. One might have even heard them say, “This is how we have always done it.” How many times do we utter those words in our lives? “This is how I have always done it!” The way I work, the way I parent, the way I save and spend. Perhaps we even say it in our giving. This is how I have always been generous.
Reading this passage, I see that when Jesus calls, the obedient follow. It also teaches me that there is a new type of net and a new type of catch. Simon and Andrew were average fishermen. Yet as fishers of men, they would be a pair that would turn the world upside down for the Kingdom of God and they would be the conversation of many for thousands of years to come. I bet when Simon and Andrew woke up that morning, they had no idea that they would have a new net (The Gospel) and a new catch (People) by the time the day ended.
Simon and Andrew never would have stepped into this new calling, unless they had heard from God and were obedient in following. I wonder if you or I would have responded with that same obedience too? We all have our set ways of doing things, but perhaps God may be calling us to something new. Something greater! I got involved with Dynamis because God called me to do something new. A new net (Generosity Plans) and a new catch (Radical Ways to be Generous).
God taught me through my own personal Generosity Plan that He had a new way for me to consider being generous. New opportunities I had never thought to explore. God can do that for you as well! Are you willing to set down your net and follow Him and His plan? God can do something amazing in you and through you even before this day is done. Take your first step towards discovering that with your own Generosity Plan.
Bio:
Jim is the pastor of Trinity Church in Monee, Illinois. He was the former Vice-President of a multi-million-dollar company, author of a book titled Fully Engaged and husband and dad to twins. His number one role is child of God and being a steward of all God Has given. Jim serves in networking for Dynamis and loves introducing people to the mindset of generosity.