As a person in charge of building maintenance at a church, Proverbs 14:4 is a verse I take to heart. It reads, "Where
no oxen are, the trough is clean; but much
increase comes by the strength of an ox." If you were a farmer, would you rather have a clean trough or the assistance of a strong animal in work? A dirty trough may be a good trade. In a church building it is good to strive to keep toilets clean, surfaces wiped, carpet vacuumed, and chairs aligned, but it is frankly impossible when many people are involved. I would rather have damaged paint and stains on the carpet - because there are people enjoying serving and in fellowship with one another - than to have an clean facility free from the wear and tear of life.
Today a friend told me about a sister-in-law she had who kept her kitchen in an immaculate condition, and she was able to do so easily because she never cooked! I like the thought of never having to clean a BBQ, oven, and especially a flat electric cook-top, but the reality is with any use these items will need regular cleaning. Looking through old photos the other day I noticed how clean and shiny my BBQ once was on the inside, and it has been a very long time since then! When I think of all the wonderful meals which I have enjoyed cooking and eating through its use, however, I do not regret losing the initial stainless steel shine.
The ox and dirty trough trade can be compared to the potential messiness of church life. When we chose to follow Jesus and seek to serve Him, we can be involved in many potentially uncomfortable and unpleasant situations. Jesus did not shy away from people some would have termed "undesirable," "unlovable." or "hopeless" - and some were men He chose to call as His disciples to follow Him! My grandfather worked as a carpet layer for many years and and after a while chose not to have an apprentice or helper. He said, "What's the point? I'll have to always fix his mistakes." We can have this view for developing leaders in church, almost preferring a clean trough because oxen require training, patience, and are expensive to feed. It seems easier to do things on our own. This is true in a sense, but an ox is a valuable asset which allows a farmer to be far more productive.
I am grateful God has chosen us as followers of Jesus to serve Him - though oxen might be easier and cleaner to manage! We are the ones whose stubbornness can put that of an ox to shame. He really loves us, doesn't He?
Today a friend told me about a sister-in-law she had who kept her kitchen in an immaculate condition, and she was able to do so easily because she never cooked! I like the thought of never having to clean a BBQ, oven, and especially a flat electric cook-top, but the reality is with any use these items will need regular cleaning. Looking through old photos the other day I noticed how clean and shiny my BBQ once was on the inside, and it has been a very long time since then! When I think of all the wonderful meals which I have enjoyed cooking and eating through its use, however, I do not regret losing the initial stainless steel shine.
The ox and dirty trough trade can be compared to the potential messiness of church life. When we chose to follow Jesus and seek to serve Him, we can be involved in many potentially uncomfortable and unpleasant situations. Jesus did not shy away from people some would have termed "undesirable," "unlovable." or "hopeless" - and some were men He chose to call as His disciples to follow Him! My grandfather worked as a carpet layer for many years and and after a while chose not to have an apprentice or helper. He said, "What's the point? I'll have to always fix his mistakes." We can have this view for developing leaders in church, almost preferring a clean trough because oxen require training, patience, and are expensive to feed. It seems easier to do things on our own. This is true in a sense, but an ox is a valuable asset which allows a farmer to be far more productive.
I am grateful God has chosen us as followers of Jesus to serve Him - though oxen might be easier and cleaner to manage! We are the ones whose stubbornness can put that of an ox to shame. He really loves us, doesn't He?
Really appreciate insight on this one. The benefits of life and fellowship are well worth the mess they bring!
ReplyDeleteI'm reminded of the quote, "If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?"