Marketplace Ministry
No Oxen… No Poop
06
Apr
Apr
“Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; but much increase comes by the strength of an ox.” (Proverbs 14:4)
No oxen, no poop to step in when traveling on the Oregon Trail.
Living in Idaho has given us the opportunity to see the Oregon Trail ruts left by the pioneers who came to settle the West.
They wanted a better life and went through “crap” to get it. Some didn’t make it. We are here today because of those who did make it, and their oxen.
Oxen poop.
And this made the Oregon Trail a bit messy at times. Without these beasts of burden the trail would be cleaner and smell better, but how many Pioneers would have survived?
Dirty Stalls
Doing business is messy! If you want to stay clean and smelling good, then bury your dreams in concrete and don’t bother to plan for, or otherwise think about growing a business.
Of course, you’ll have other consequences to deal with – like poverty, depression, emptiness, and lack of purpose to name a few.
There is this myth that Jesus came to take away all your problems and make life easy. Have you forgotten Jesus’ words, “In the world you will have tribulation…” (John 16:33)?
You will have plenty of “messes” to clean up. The more the better if you get the meaning of this Proverb. One ox makes one mess. Many oxen make many messes! But their strength multiplies your increase.
No Oxen, No Poop. No People. No Production.
In business, the more people producing in an organization the more income potential there is. Did you know that we people can be messy too? Oh yeah… people come with all kinds of crap.
In fact, it can get pretty messy on the narrow path of Marketplace Ministry. Your tendency at times is to get rid of the mess by eliminating the people.
But remember, people are the most valuable part of life.
What Jesus also said is this:
“in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Is this Good News? For a Christian it is, because:
“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne…” (Revelation 3:21)
How To Live A Victorious Life
You are an overcommer in Christ. By faith, you can walk in victory, have peace, and reign as a king or queen.
Want to know the secret?
Watch our Marketplace Ministry Training Series called, “Working From Your True Identity.” You can find the training here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/cbo.sl/videos/
Great analogy! We compost and I’m always reminded that our stinky table scraps eventually turn into rich soil. It takes time and some work but when we plant our garden, it’s worth it!
Annie, great compost analogy! When the poop is fresh it stinks. Over time the Lord redeems it for nourishment and fruitfulness.
It’s so important to remember that Jesus never promised this life would be easy and clean. But He did promise peace to those who trust in Him!
Emily, it’s a peace that surpasses our understanding, but is so real.
Ha! Now here is a very different take on Proverbs 14:4. It is a good reminder that we will face difficult “crap” here on Earth, that is no doubt. That is why we need each other, even though people can create plenty of messes, as you stated. That is why forgiveness is key.
Lisa, good reminder about forgiveness. My most difficult challenges have always involved the need to forgive others.
This is a great post! So very true! I liked the video and how you pointed out the various people in the Bible who served the Lord and worked in the marketplace of their time.
Marcie, thanks for your encouraging words. In one of Jesus’ parables about the Kingdom of God, the master told his stewards to “Do Business Till I Come”. We can take it literally as well as how it is used in a figurative sense.
Hello Scott and Laurie
Thinking outside the box has to be the hardest test of faith to tackle I believe.
To look where you are not skilled, to believe that it may be a path to follow and to think that you can do it takes a lot of guts.
The world is changing fast and the opportunities are multiplying just as quickly. You guys are the forerunners of change and we need the push to look.
Thank you for bothering to show us.
Hi Scott!
Catchy blog post title, No Oxen. . . No Poop, love it.
Have never been to Idaho, but would love to see the place one day.
I’m often thinking about what you mentioned here in this blog post when you wrote:
“They wanted a better life and went through “crap” to get it. Some didn’t make it. We are here today because of those who did make it, and their oxen.”
I try to remember that all the blessings I have come from God, and from people who have lived before me.
Most of them, had a tougher life than me, just as you say here.
I agree doing business is messy, also because sometimes we need to make unpopular decisions.
Running a business is not for people who wish to be free from conflicts.
It nice to read content like this where we get a more realistic approach to business than in most blog posts in the Christian online community.
God bless!
Edna Davidsen.
Thanks Edna, the truth is being a follower of Jesus Christ is the same… not the sugar coated version we hear about. The cross is not a a pretty picture!
The abundant life is messy, inconvenient, and hard at times. But people are the reason, not the obstacles for abundant life. Great message!
Yes Nancy. I think of what the early disciples went through. Didn’t they all become Martyrs living the abundant life? We think we have it so hard, and thank God for those who are laying down their lives in countries where it is a crime to evangelize.
Thanks for this reminder, Scott. It’s so easy to forget, sometimes, especially when we want to run and hide from it all! Blessings to you.
Yes, can’t you imagine that even Jesus was tempted? This is perhaps why He had to go into the mountains to get away from time to time. Something we all need to do on occasion, and not feel bad about having some “down time”.
Loved this analogy, Scott. Perfectly described. Doing business as a Christian IS messy, but it’s oh, so worth it. Thanks for this timely reminder.
When you think about it, people are the only eternal “things” in this world. So valuable in the eyes of God.