"Farming"

Where there are no oxen, the feeding-trough is clean, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of an ox. - Proverbs 14:4

Living as I do (in the middle of Pennsylvania farming country) it is easy to understand that it (farming) is a messy business. A gentle breeze on a summer day often carries the pungent reminder that cows, pigs, and chickens produce more than milk, ham, and eggs!

In other words, if you want a "clean" job, then don't farm.

The same can be said about ministry. Those who prefer their ministries "neat and tidy" also like them "dead." Ministry, like farming, is a messy business. An abundant harvest can only come with the presence of and ministry to people who are moving forward in their personal sanctification.

So, if you are going to serve, you better get used to the odor.

The goal of the pastor is not to get people to show up but to get people to grow up. - John C. Maxwell