october 11 the clan crib

 The Clean Crib.   Proverbs 14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. Cleaning the cat box becomes an unpleasant chore.  But I am thankful the cats use the cat box.  No oxen in the crib means there is no clean up necessary.  How pleasant.  No car in the driveway means no oil spots to clean.  No insurance, inspection, and registration to pay.  No on-going gasoline and maintenance expenses.  How wonderful it would be to not have a car.  But wait.  The above verse also says, "but much increase is by the strength of the ox."  A field would be hard to plow without an ox.  A heavy load can be moved easily with an ox.  So, there are benefits to having an ox...or a cat...or a car.  Do the benefits outweigh the drawbacks?  Many times, yes.  In fact, most positives in our lives also have negatives that are associated with them. Look at friendship.  No friends.  You don't have to be concerned with offending others.  No arguments.  No expense trying to help others in need.  But that seclusion brings loneliness.  There are times when we need the help of others.  Plus, the joy we experience when we can be a blessing to help others in their time of need.  Remember Jesus said:  Acts 20:35 It is more blessed to give than to receive.  The Dead Sea takes and takes but never gives.  Therefore, it is dead.  A person who takes and takes and never gives to be a blessing to others misses the blessings that come with giving. Life is made up of give and take.  Most good things have the potential of bad things closely associated with them.  Then look at marriage.  Oh my!  My poor wife.  None of us are perfect. As a matter of fact, the closer we grow to Jesus the more we should be disgusted with ourselves.   Production comes with oxen.  Oxen come with needs.  Accept the fact that you will never have perfect friends...a perfect mate...or even a perfect church.  Just learn to groan...appreciate the good...forgive much...and love much more.  The crib needs to be cleaned from time to time...but much increase is by the strength of the ox.