Soul Business

Those of us who were raised in church can probably remember this little song.

I will make you fishers of men, fishers of men, fishers of men.
I will make you fishers of men if you follow me.

I can remember performing the motions while singing it - casting the line with my imaginary fishing pole. It was my beloved grandmother who taught me that song, and it was my grandmother who gave me a sample, a living example of loving souls for Jesus. One of her favorite verses is found in Proverbs 11:30.

He that winneth souls is wise!

Grandma only had a fifth grade formal education, but Grandma's wealth of experience made her the wise matriarch of our family. She loved broken people and had a desire to help struggling souls. In the eyes of the world, her education was inferior, but through the eyes of eternity - Grandma was one of the wisest women I've ever known.

The "soul business" is a tough business to be in - lots of ups and downs, defeats and triumphs! My friend sent me a piece from Oswald Chambers today. It ministered to me. I thought it might give some weary traveler a refreshing drink for their parched soul. Here it is:

If you are going to live for the service of your fellowmen, you will certainly be pierced through with many sorrows. If your motive is love for your fellowmen, you will be exhausted in the battle of life. But if the mainspring of your service is LOVE FOR GOD, no ingratitude, no sin, no devil, no angel, can hinder you from serving your fellowmen, no matter the consequences. You can love your neighbor as yourself, not from pity, but from the true centering of yourself in GOD. -- Oswald Chambers

It reminds me of a beautiful promise in the Bible.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Now let's go fishing,
Dixie