Matthew 4:19

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

That's according to the Bible, anyway.

A great verse, a classic that many know by heart. The cornerstone of many-a-children's sermon, Sunday morning message and Sunday School teaching.

Well...my son picked it up somewhere. Cameron knows a few (simplified) Bible verses. Our first was, appropriately and necessarily, "Children, obey your parents in the LORD, for this is right." (Ephesians 6:1). He's picked up others - at least temporarily - on the armor of God, sharing, and forgiveness along the way.

But we've never worked on Matthew 4:19. I do remember one evening after he returned from Rainbows class (his Wednesday night church activity) that he talked a lot about fishing. I was home with a sick baby that night and the take-home paper was lost in the abyss (AKA minivan). But...no word about the Bible reference.

Until the past couple days. I guess I should be thankful, in some sort of way, because Cam is realizing that Scripture is important, it's something that we value and take seriously. Buuuut...it's a little hard to take him seriously. He has begun trying to trick me into thinking he's quoting scripture when there's a point he really wants to get across. Like, maybe if I throw a chapter and verse in after what I say, it's believable?

Let me just give a couple examples I've heard over the past two days.

Attempting to con me into giving him his collection of cars back, after they had been taken away indefinitely as punishment.
"Mommy, if I'm a very, very good boy, I will get all my cars back. Matthew 4:19."

Getting ready for bed.
"If little boys don't brush their teeth, they will get owie cavities. Matthew 4:19."

After Bennett socked Elly with his plastic hammer.
"Childs should not hit each other. Matthew 4:19."

Lunchtime.
"If we eat our lunch all gone, we can have a piece of delicious candy. Matthew 4:19."

I mean, really??! He thinks I won't catch on. What do I say?!? It's not like we can just make up scripture references...SO not right.

That's a question for tomorrow, I guess. Right now ALL I can do is laugh.

After all, "Laughter is the best medicine."
- Matthew 4:19 ;)