Proverbs 14:4

“Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.”

A manger will be clean only if it is empty. So, if the primary goal is cleanliness – maybe don’t look to farm the land. 

But if the primary goal is to grow and harvest abundant crops – then you will need oxen. It is these oxen that will both pull the plow and provide manure for the soil. Oxen are messy and the manger where they stay will be noisy and will smell and will never be clean. 

People are also messy. 

Little people will be noisy and messy and will clutter your home. Big people have even bigger messes and will clutter your life and your schedule. My home and my life will never be clean and clutter free if my primary goal is to grow and harvest people who will come to know Christ, follow Him and make Him known. 

Prayer. 

Thank You Father for the joy and privilege of discipling people. Please develop me so that I will embrace and enjoy a cluttered life and love messy people just like You do. In Jesus Name, Amen.