Worth It

Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.
Proverbs 14:4 NLT

It takes a lot of work to get a stable clean - mucking and raking on a daily basis and power-washing, disinfecting... There's a true sense of accomplishment in getting it done. However, there's no time to stand back and enjoy the look of it because the animal will go back in, and then all the mucking and raking will have to be done again on the morrow. The irony is if you want a stable and you want it to stay clean, you can't have animals. What use is that? The reward of your labor in caring for the animals is more than compensated for in the harvest results. It is worth it. 

By the same token, if we want a harvest of souls, there will be less-than-pleasant aspects of gathering them into the Kingdom. Discipleship isn't easy - for the disciple or for the one doing the discipling. Ask Jesus... He said nevertheless, we're worth it. 

Prayer:

Father,

          Give us Your eyes so we have the proper perspective for our journey with You. Help us to see past all the distractions to the heart of the matter. Give us a fresh anointing of compassion, mercy and grace for those within our reach. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen