SUCH A GOOD REMINDER
PROVERBS 14:4 NKJV
4 Where no oxen are, the trough is clean;
But much increase comes by the strength of an ox.
Can't start this devotional without wishing all the moms a Happy Mother's Day.
However, I am not going to tie in this proverb to motherhood. This proverb is a great reminder that when you are getting stuff done, not everything will be clean and tidy.
An early leadership lesson for me was learning the importance of delegation. The old adage of if you want something done right, do it yourself does not work in ministry.
Being a leader means you are not alone. There are people with you. Church leadership can not survive with a Lone Ranger mentality. No one has all the gifts, talents, skills, and time to do the job right. Church ministry requires a team.
But a team means other people. And other people come with people challenges and issues. However, there is absolutely no way to do church effectively alone.
The same principle applies to so many other endeavors in life. You may start as one, but to do anything of significance, other people will need to be involved.
And so much more can be accomplished when we do things together. But, and this is a significant but, people come with problems.
Yes, if we do it ourselves, we can control everything. Everything is neat, clean, and perfect. But to see increase, others will have to be involved. And others do not always do things neat, clean, and perfect.
If you were farming in Solomon's day, you could plow just so much on your own. But if you had an ox, you could plow so much more. And you would have so much more mess. Increase and messy go together.
APPLICATION:
Before I complain about some of the people messes, I have to remind myself of this verse.
Bigger churches create bigger messes. But we can't afford to think small, clean, neat, and tidy. There are too many who need God in our area.
So it may get a bit messy at times, but we rejoice in the harvest. People turning to the Lord are worth it.