The Ox

Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,
but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.
Proverbs 14:4

I have often heard the scripture above loosely quoted when people are frustrated with others. Something to the effect of, “Without the ox (people) there wouldn’t be a mess (the manger is empty). But without the oxen (strength), there isn’t any ministry (abundant harvest)!” We can all knowingly nod our heads in agreement….all the while realizing that we are the oxen who come with the mess! 

When we have the privilege of walking through life with others for a long time, we will see the bad and the ugly make frequent appearances with the good. It is all-inclusive. We don’t get to cherry-pick the good times and dismiss the hard times like over-ripe produce. In fact, it is in the mess of over-ripe produce – the difficult mess of the ox – that we find those relationships deepened, strengthened, and fortified. And, ultimately, the good times become even sweeter.

These days, I think of this verse a little differently. Please allow my own loose translation:

Without others, life is simple and clean,
but the strength of friendship is what brings
health, growth, and meaningful life.

Who are your people? Who are the ones you trust, and trust you back? Who are the ones who jump into the mud with you, get messy with you, and help you crawl out? Do all you can to cultivate those friendships! These are God’s gifts to us. These are the people whom He often chooses to work through – encouraging us, challenging us, and comforting us. These are the people through whom the Holy Spirit, Himself, will often speak. 

Cherish these gifts. Praise God for these gifts. Invest yourself into these gifts and you will find a sweet and precious return for your labor. In fact, through them, you will likely hear the Father’s voice saying…

You are adored.