Three Hours of Fishing

A laid back, southern fisherman worked diligently from 5:00 to 8:00 every morning. After keeping some of his catch for his family, he then sold the remaining fish at the local market until 10:00am and had the rest of the day free to do whatever he pleased. A slick entrepreneur from the city went to the coast on vacation, spotted the fisherman and struck up a conversation. He encouraged him to hire two or three more guys so that more fish could be caught and more money could be made. The fisherman could then put them in charge and hire five to six more men to catch even more fish. Meanwhile, he could travel around and look for other markets to sell the bigger amount of fish they were catching. The city slicker said, “Each year you could double your manpower and within 5 years, you’d only have to work a couple of hours a day.” The country fisherman said with a sly smile and a slow drawl, “Sir, thanks for your concern, but I’m doing that already.” We often hear it said that “more is better” but let’s be careful with wanting more and more money. This temptation can quickly become an obsession. I’ve seen the love of money take over person’s lives and believe me, it can get ugly. Hebrews 13:5 says, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have…” Contentment is the key. Remember too that more money also means more taxes, more fair-weather “friends” and many more decision-making responsibilities. Money is necessary, but when our “love of money” takes precedence over our “love of God,” it is sin. Today, are you content with what your three hours of fishing nets you?