As the kingdom of God begins to advance in a given area, it is important to remember that trouble comes with it. The wise man said, “Without an ox, the stalls are clean. But abundant crops come by the strength of an ox” (Proverbs 14:4). Some opt for clean stalls and no crops and it is plain that we can’t go that way. Others opt for abundant production but neglect to muck the stalls, so they eventually abandon their station to the refuse. This exhortation is two parted: First, expect dirty stalls. And second, remember to muck them.

First, you must rid yourselves of the notion that you will hit the mark every time. Herbert Schlossberg said, “The Bible can be interpreted as a string of God’s triumphs disguised as disasters.” If that is true of the Bible, how much more so the life story you are writing? You are oxen. You are made to work this earth which is the field of your Lord. You are oxen and you have assembled together in this stall. You have even come with your little oxen. Things are going to get messy. When that sin comes out, you are not allowed to be shocked. When someone wrongs you, you are not allowed to be precious about the stall.

But, you are allowed to muck it and you must muck it. When Christ draws people to Himself, He often does so by letting outsiders see what real forgiveness looks like among His people. This forgiveness is transactional. It is given and received. And it must be your policy to ensure that this transaction continues so long as oxen do what oxen do. When you have wronged another, simply own the wrong and ask for forgiveness. When you have been wronged and another seeks your forgiveness, you must give it, remembering that once you give it, it is gone.