Fishing at Roaring River State Park near Cassville, Missouri for a few days in October, my son Stephen and I were blessed to catch (and release) a grand total of 15 rainbow-trout in a few short hours.

The crisp cool air of morning was fueled by the gentle breeze over the quiet rushing waters of the spring fed river.

The light fog added to the mystery as we saw several trout darting around the banks of the clear waters of the roaring river. Stephen and I stood as still as statues waiting for the infamous siren at 7:30 am – signalling the beginning of the day.

This was far different than my last experience at Roaring River where I caught zero fish. That’s right! I fished the river for three days in 2005 and didn’t catch one fish!

At 2 years old, Stephen did a great job of reeling and holding the net while we took in fish after fish. I realize now too though that my blessed fishing trip had a lot to do with my new attitude towards fishing.

In the past, I always tried something new – anytime someone caught a fish I’d ask, “What’d you try?” Invariably it would be something I didn’t have so I’d run to the tackle shop and purchase three of them. And I’d repeat this pattern.

Constantly changing my approach, the area I was fishing, and bait wasted so much time that my fishing was very ineffective. This year I tried a different approach: consistency.

I fished one bait for at least an hour, and I found it to be terribly effective. Not moving around as much, not trying the latest fad, but using time-tested technique and a solid consistent offering.

The Bible says, “Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching…Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT)

I remembered thinking about this Scripture and thinking about it in an all new light. It speaks to the consistency of my witness, my lifestyle, and my methodology for reaching others. If I really want to change the world I don’t have enough time to try every new idea – I’ve got to find one that works and work it often, consistently, and faithfully.

It worked for the trout.