Throw the Wacky

Largemouth bass fishing is starting to heat up where I live. One of my favorite ways to fish for these freshwater predators is a finesse technique known as wacky rigging.

The concept is simple - mimic a worm slowly falling (as if from a tree or log) into the water. The baits used, commonly known as "senkos," are designed to shimmy and wiggle on the way down to the bottom of the lakebed, hopefully enticing these hunters to grab a quick and easy meal.

The reason I love wacky rig fishing is because it's incredibly easy to set up, is versatile in how it can be worked and in what conditions, entices bites when fish are being picky, and it acts as a failsafe - I always say "when in doubt, throw the wacky." There are many other great techniques, arguably better ones, but I will always have at least one pole with me rigged this way.

I think it's human nature for us to want to make things as simple as possible. Think about your career. Would you like your daily tasks to be more complicated or simpler? It's a no-brainer - simpler, of course!

There's biblical support for keeping things simple. Jesus and His disciples were once staying at the house of some friends. There were two sisters - Martha and Mary. Martha found herself serving Jesus and the guests tirelessly, but Mary chose to simply sit with Jesus and listen. Jesus applauded Mary for choosing the better option...

But few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:42)

Another biblical example in support of simplicity is when Jesus commanded His disciples to go preach the gospel. He told them to take little to nothing with them for their journey, proclaiming...

As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. (Matthew 10:7-10)

This reminds me of my wedding day, when I can recall the pastor sharing words of encouragement and advice at the altar saying, "Pack light for the journey ahead." When we complicate things and add weight to our daily lives, it can lead to anxiety, stress, and ultimately cause us to shut down. I've been there. But Jesus has helped me by teaching me that I cannot solve everything, be everything, and I cannot spend today thinking about tomorrow...

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:34)

Understanding the importance and appeal of simplicity means also understanding that simplicity is not always an option. Sometimes, things will be complicated and that doesn't mean we shy away from those things. For example, a complicated task at work shouldn't be put off or punted to someone else because it's too difficult. But we can shift our mindset and our approach - no longer looking at the entire task, but recognizing the simple steps we can take to ultimately achieve our goal.

God's plan of redemption for mankind is a simple one. Jesus died on a Cross for our sins, rose again, and now anyone who believes in Him will never perish, but will live for eternity with God in Heaven. But Jesus couldn't just show up a couple days after Adam and Eve fell to sin. No, the plan took thousands of years and many generations to see it fulfilled. For God's plan of redemption to succeed, mankind needed to be able to fully recognize their undoing and be in a place where they would choose to deny themselves and accept the Son of God as their Savior. The journey overall was complex, but at a low level, step-by-step, God took simple steps to get there.

Don't overcomplicate the gospel, throw the wacky...

That leads me to my final point. As Christian believers, we are called to make disciples. One of the things I've noticed in myself and in others is how we don't take advantage of the simplest story we have to tell - our own. Instead, we often default to feeling like we need to be bible scholars, well-educated teachers, or great evangelists (ex. Billy Graham, Greg Laurie, etc.). Even though we pray for others' salvation and eagerly desire to see our loved ones come to know Jesus, we may shy away from leading them to Christ because we don't have the right skill set or knowledge.

Let me tell you this, I don't know how to do 80% of the things professional fisherman know how to do. But I can rig a simple wacky worm and catch bass. I don't have to be a pro at fishing, and you don't have to be a formally recognized pastor or evangelist. You are more than equipped with your own testimony of how Jesus transformed your life. Your wacky rig is your personal testimony and relationship with Jesus Christ. You can spend hours debating a family member or friend over theological topics, but the one thing that will draw even the skeptics close is a story and life changed that they cannot argue.

Side Note: If you are struggling to see your testimony as a testimony worth sharing, maybe because you're not sure how God has changed you or what has truly changed in your life, then it may be time to evaluate your own salvation. I'm not saying if you have doubts or questions then you're unsaved, but it would be wise to dive into community where you can work this out. After all, the Bible tells us in Philippians 2:12 - continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

Jesus didn't come to add more to your plate. Jesus didn't come to add layers of complexity to God's plan of redemption. Jesus came to simplify everything by paying a price for sin that we couldn't possibly do. So the next time you have the chance to tell someone how to be saved, don't complicate it. Tell them the simple truth - Jesus is the only way.

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