I know…I can smell it from here too.
That’s what cow-stalls were created for: cows. And because there are real, living, eating, and you know…the other thing that happens after we eat…cows, stalls need to be regularly cleaned and taken care.
Proverbs 14:4 says, “Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of the ox come abundant harvest.”
If you want a clean, non-crappy, sanitized manger don’t put cows in it. You might have a clean manger, but if you’re a farmer, you’re not going to have much of a harvest. A clean manger but no power, no harvest.
The church exists for people. And wherever there are people, there’s crap because every single person comes with their scars, their past, their demons, their baggage, theirs struggles and their sin. But church and ministry exists for people. In fact the signs and manifestations of God changing people are people! And the more people there are, there’s bound to be more crap.
And that’s good.
- Dealing with crap is a good thing! There are people there, and God is at work
- Managing well, responding with grace and integrity to crap…that’s what Godly leadership is
So, lead well. The church is full of crap…and that’s ok. I didn’t say it was pleasant. Just look at that picture. You know that place stinks.
But I would much rather that have than then a clean, sanitized, life-less, empty manger.
What do Christians believe?
Praxis: Faith in Action 