OUTDOOR TRUTHS: Different Ways

By Gary Miller

I just returned from one of my Circle Events. You can check them out on my website. But this most recent event was trout fishing in Arkansas. Twelve guys, all trying to catch our limit. We caught a lot of fish and commemorated our accomplishments with a fish-fry on Saturday night. These fish were not only caught by different people, but they were caught using different bait. These guys caught trout using crankbaits, top water, Rooster Tails, corn, shrimp, and worms. And the reason we all used different bait was because each one of us had both conviction and confidence in one particular lure. But while we may have believed our bait was the best, we never shunned, criticized, or disassociated ourselves with those who may have done it differently. In fact, we all celebrated together during that Saturday night fish-fry.

 I think followers of Christ can learn from this as we think about those who may not always believe like we do. Did you know (I know you do) that there are numerous denominations just in our country. And not only are there numerous denominations, but there are also different factions in each of those. For instance, there are 30 different Methodist churches, 20 Presbyterian, 30 Baptist, and 100 Pentecostal churches. Not to mention Lutheran, Christian Disciples of Christ, Charismatic, Catholic, Episcopal, Independent, Mennonite, and the Amish. And I’m sure I’ve missed a few. The reason is, each one thinks their bait is better than the other. But that is not the problem. The problem, many times, is how we treat those who are using different bait. The problem is how we treat our own family who may disagree with us on secondary matters. And most things are secondary. Let me give you some examples of what we Christians disagree on… Christmas, Halloween, Make-up, Cards, Lottery, Raffle Tickets, Alcohol, Work on Sunday, Clothes, Tattoos, Movie Theatre, Marijuana, Dancing, Music, Version of the Bible, Tobacco, Material Wealth, Day of worship. And yet in all of this, Jesus’ last prayer to the Father was, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message… So they may be one as we are one…May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.”

Here is what He didn’t pray. “God give them exactly what they need to know and do so that each one will walk in lockstep with each other all the time.” No, His prayer was that the world would see unity in our diversity so that the world would know that God loves them. And how are we doing? Not. So. Good. But we can change if we will learn that each one of us has different convictions that are based on a host of things from our environment, experiences, parents, DNA, the faith culture we were raised in, and other factors. These have formed what we carry in our tackle box. And while our convictions may be real, let’s not let them keep us from having a fish-fry with others who are doing it another way.

Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 24 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Stay updated on Outdoor Truths each week by subscribing at Outdoortruths.org. Miller can be reached via email at outdoortruths@gmail.com.