Over the last 2000 years many Christians have not had a problem taking action in the name of Christ. Since Jesus last walked the earth Christians have zealously been fishers of men. Some have fed the poor, opened their homes, left their homes, faced death and given their lives so that others could know Christ. Unfortunately, there have also been wars waged, lands razed, peoples colonized and ostracized; all in the name of furthering the Gospel. Christians continue to fish with a strong since of purpose, but we don't always follow Jesus' initial direction of "Follow Me."
In order to be a fisher of men for Christ, following Him is imperative. Paul understood this when he addressed the church of Corinth and told them "Be ye followers of me, even as I am also of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1). Following Christ is not an involuntary action like breathing or blinking. Following Christ is something that must be done purposely. It is deciding to live a life fully devoted to him; not just in word, but in deed and thought. The church landscape is full of people who profess to living for Jesus, but their actions and their thoughts are on influence, wealth, and their following. In doing this they attempt to dull your senses to the Spirit Christ has asked the Father to send to us (John 14:16). This is not fishing for men in Christ's name, but are empire building.
Not all fishing is in the name of Christ. We can see from the clip above that some people are fishing, but not in Jesus' name. We can also hear from the cheers and responses that their efforts have been successful. These self made fisherman have hooked large buildings full of people to help them build their empires.
When we look at two other instances where Jesus calls people we can see characteristics of following Christ. In Matthew 16:24 Jesus said disciples have to deny themselves to follow Him. In Matthew 19:21 Jesus tells a potential follower that he has to put his treasures in heaven.
