How many times do we question our qualifications? I bet I ask myself numerous times daily. My mind often tells me a variety of words that “I am,” but God chose us differently. He wanted us to be Uncommen. God knows our hearts. He qualifies us for His call. When this happens, we need to assess the word that we feel defines us compared to how God sets us. God used the name “I AM” to explain to Moses who He was. God needed no other explanation than “I AM” we, however, follow up with “I am worthless” “I am so dumb” “I am not able” you get the point. We all too often define ourselves with our inequity. One of God’s greatest gifts is the identity we have in Him. Why do we always forget that? We are commanded not to take that in vain and misuse His name. God gives you His name in all circumstances and all situations when we choose to accept it. We must use it wisely, “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” (Exodus 20:7, NIV). When we forget to accept His identity, we misuse His name.
When qualifications come into question we should look at Peter. He indeed questioned himself in this passage, witnessing a miracle when the nets filled with fish. “When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For him and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on, you will fish for people.” So, they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything, and followed him.” (Luke 5:8–11, NIV) No questions asked. They were all in on His plan. Jesus needed real fishers of men who could be trusted to carry outward and onward the mission of the Great Commission. To fish for people means to develop relationships when developing relationships, we develop discipleships. Everything revolves around the multiplication of disciples and fishing for people. Not only fishing for people but those who are dedicated to moving forward as we read in Matthew, “Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” (Matthew 8:21–22, NIV) It is an all or none mission, and Uncommen obedience is not complication-free, and missing out on a funeral might be one complication to join Jesus. Dedication to following Jesus requires a change of heart.
How can you honor God’s name differently? Are you ready to fish for people through Uncommen relationships? I challenge you to develop one new relationship every three months and see how life changes, disciples multiply, and the Good News spreads in Uncommen ways.