We understand the feeling of being “too busy.” Schedules are full, calendars are packed, and life seems to move at an exhausting pace. Yet there is an old saying that carries a deeper lesson: “If you’re too busy to go fishing, you’re just too busy.” While often applied to rest and balance, it also carries an important spiritual reminder.

Jesus called fishermen, and told them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). From the very beginning, being a disciple of Jesus included the work of reaching others. If our lives become so crowded that there is no time to influence souls, share the gospel, or encourage the lost, then something is out of order.

Being busy in and of itself is not sinful. The problem arises when good things crowd out the best things. Martha was “distracted with much serving,” while Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet. Jesus said Mary had “chosen that good part” (Luke 10:38–42).

Fishing for souls does not always require formal teaching or organized events, but it does require time and intentionality. It may be a conversation, an invitation, a kind word, or a godly example. We must be committed to the cause of Christ to be fishers of men.

If we find ourselves too busy to show concern about souls, too rushed to speak a few words about Jesus, or too distracted to notice opportunities, then we are indeed, too busy. We might need to re-examine our schedules, re-order our priorities, and make room for the work that matters most, fishing for men.