Sometimes, we wrongly assume that if we move forward as local churches, then church life will be spic and span. But, in a fallen world it is quite the opposite. Proverbs 14:4 reminds us:
Where there is no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come from the Lord.
Tremper Longman summarizes,
The meaning of this verse is that a productive life is messy. One desires a neat and tidy life, just as the ideal stall would be clean. However, a clean stall by the nature of things would mean an empty stall since oxen do not have to be in a stall long before it is messy.”
When God’s people are working hard, things aren’t always tidy. The productive life is messy.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that we should make messes on purpose. Rather, let’s don’t be surprised if there are some discussions and differences of opinion.
My grandpa told me, “If a church didn’t have problems it wouldn’t need a pastor.”
Dang…why can’t other pastors get this? Dad burnit…Why is it that every pastor I’ve known takes great pride in silencing “differences of opinion?”
Okay…I feel better now. ;-/
Paul – - yours was just the response I needed to hear. Even though I wrote the post, today I needed to hear someone challenge me as a pastor that this means that pastors should welcome interaction. Thanks. Proverbs 27:17.
Thanks, Chris. Oh to have a pastor like you! May your tribe increase and your authenticity become infectious!
Don’t give me too much credit. Indeed, if you think of it, pray for me. I am reminded, today, of my need to continue to grow.
Count on my prayers but more importantly count on God’s grace!
Because that’s what He does.