AQUARIUM KEEPERS

Vance Havner said churches have become aquarium keepers when we are to be fishers of men. We like living in the aquarium. It is climate controlled and user friendly. It is an environment with virtually no risk of rejection or persecution, made up of people that look like us, dress like us, and talk like us. The aquarium is a place of feasting and fellowship among fellow fish with those handpicked to join us. And, yes, it is a place of protection, for its walls separate us from the undesirables outside. By the way, fish normally don’t jump into an aquarium.

Fishing in open water is another matter. You really don’t know fully what to expect. There is the uncertainty as to whether you will get a reception by the fish and what type of fish you will catch – and don’t forget the smell! Yet Jesus said in Matthew 4:19, “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” It’s time to get out of the aquarium to do some serious fishing in the local community pond. Our aquariums are shrinking. Over 8,000 churches closed their doors in 2012. That is across denominational lines! 1,300 Southern Baptist Churches! Unless we go, this trend will continue to escalate!

Pastor Tom Tucker
Galatians 2:20