Proverbs 14:4 (ESV): “Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.”
It’s been said that sterility can be masked as orderliness. When a mess is present, it suggests that real life is being lived out. So don’t fret about the mess—enjoy life and be productive.
Solomon uses a great analogy here to illustrate the two sides of the coin when it comes to work. Life may seem much easier when there are no oxen to care for. However, that also means there are no crops in the ground and no fields being worked. His point is that life will be messy—that’s part of being productive. So don’t run away from the mess; good things come to those who work hard!
Are you content with a clean stable? Is your goal to live as sterile a life as possible? If so, you’re going to miss out on many great opportunities to grow—not to mention great people. It’s never enjoyable to have to clean up a mess, but life would be no fun without those experiences. God uses everything to grow us. I say, bring in the oxen, and let’s get to work! “Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Father, we thank You for stepping into our mess. Help us never to despise the messes in life, for they provide great opportunities to be productive and grow. Be glorified in how we handle them. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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