When Jesus said to his first disciples, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men,” he knew his “fishing” for souls would parallel the preparation, patience, success, failures, and frustrations of fishermen.

There has seldom been a more important time for Christians to reclaim Jesus and his message for theirselves, families, communities, and nation. Yet Christian values have never been as unknown, forgotten, or sidetracked as they are now.

Amid the social chaos now permeating America, Christianity is losing ground to other faiths on one hand and lack of faith on another. It’s as if the light of the Christian faith is being hidden under the proverbial basket.

Christianity must regain the commanding heights of public opinion in religious edifices, classrooms, and extracurricular settings from kindergarten through college; news broadcasts and entertainment venues; government, law schools, and courts of justice; and associations of volunteers. Proud acknowledgement of personal, family, and faith-based values should replace defensive cringe at their mere mention.

Christians must commit themselves to adding and multiplying, not subtracting and dividing. We can do that in working with other believers who value each person as a unique creation. Jesus and His Fishermen motivates us to achieve that goal. We see evidence for this among young adults.