This week I met Kwasi; he is from Accra, Ghana. We talked for about twenty minutes and enjoyed a wonderful conversation. He told me a story that benefited me and I believe will benefit you as well. Listen to his story.
Life Conditions on the River Asukawkaw
No doubt about it – you would not choose to live on the River Asukawkaw, according to Kwasi. This river travels about 80 miles outside the city of Accra, Ghana. Life on the River Asukawkaw stunk. Although the river people lived beside the river and could see the fish in the river, they were starving.
When the American missionaries first arrived in this small river village, they heard the cry of babies and could see the concern of the mothers. In this town, people were starving. Their belief system kept them from fishing the river. Over the years, their ancestors taught them to not fish in the river. Because of tribal customs and various fears, the river people feared eating the fish in the river. In fact, they were convinced that if they ate the fish, something bad would happen to them – beginning with sickness.
American Missionaries Fished
The American missionaries observed what was taking place. There were women along with boys and girls starving while they lived on the side of the river. The missionaries looked at the fish swimming in the river. They decided to do something about it.
The missionaries retrieved their fishing gear they brought from the States. They tied on fish bait and began to fish for the Tilapia. Within in a very short while, they caught over 50 fish.
The townspeople watched with anticipation. On each person’s mind was the simple question, “What will happen to the foreigners that eat this fish?”
Moments passed. Then minutes. Then hours.
Nothing happened.
The Americans lived without getting sick. They cooked the fish and enjoyed a wonderful feast while the people watched. The people, of course, were welcome to join them; however, the people wanted to see what would happen if in fact they ate the fish from the river.
Imagine the surprise of these people!
The American Missionaries Teach the Africans How to Fish
After they sufficiently watched the missionaries eat and enjoy the meal without anything happening to them, the Africans wondered what would happen to them. They thought about fishing and eating as well. In fact, over time, they did.
The American missionaries taught the Africans how to fish. They enjoyed eating with them. The river people went from starving to full after they watched, observed, considered, and learned.
This Should Happen with You, Me, and Us All the Time
Consider what Peter wrote:
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. (1 Pet 2:11-12, emphasis mine; cf., Matt 5:14-16)
Did you catch that?
As we live every day, those around us should see us do things in Christ that help them take the next best step. Maybe the person misunderstands God, does not know the Bible, is fearful, or whatever the case may be. Regardless, as they observe us, it should help teach, encourage, and, as the story was told, provide for their starving souls.
Two Implications for Daily Living
First, the joy of helping others should be reflected in all we do every day. We should live as Christ. Our lifestyle should speak loudly for Christ as we trust Him, walk with Him, enjoy His presence, and obey Him. This kind of lifestyle becomes salt and light. People watch carefully, observe, consider, and learn about Christ.
Second, regretfully, there will be times when we fail as well. As much as I want all these things to be consistently true in my life every day, I also face the fact that I sin too. These things are not always true and consistent. It may be that way for you as well. Therefore, when we sin and blow it, do not consistently point people to a better meal and life in Christ, we must not be overwhelmed in our grief and sorrow. Instead, we immediately ask God for forgiveness, ask others as necessary, and start again. The process of seeking forgiveness teaches as well. The recognition of sin and resultant change also helps people.
In either case – both in your consistency and inconsistency, enjoy walking with Christ and seeking to live consistent with your union with Him. As you do, God is glorified, you are much happier, and the people around you have the ability to watch, observe, consider, and learn Christ.
My prayer is through both our good days (which are so rewarding and God-honoring) and bad days (for which we deal responsibly and through repentance honor God), we would live in a way that God would use us to help those around us as they take their next steps too. Thankfully, Christ makes this possible and uses is pleased to use imperfect people along the way.
I know – because I am one.
Photo Credit MPIMPIMHENE Nana Gyetuah Eric
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