A great post today from Chris Brauns on the messes that we sometimes (usually?) find in our churches:

Sometimes, we wrongly assume that if we move forward as local churches, then church life will be spic and span.  But, in a fallen world it is quite the opposite.  Proverbs 14:4 reminds us:

Where there is no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come from the Lord.

Tremper Longman summarizes,

The meaning of this verse is that a productive life is messy.  One desires a neat and tidy life, just as the ideal stall would be clean.  However, a clean stall by the nature of things would mean an empty stall since oxen do not have to be in a stall long before it is messy.”

When God’s people are working hard, things aren’t always tidy.  The productive life is messy.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that we should make messes on purpose.  Rather, let’s don’t be surprised if there are some discussions and differences of opinion.

I would add that we not only shouldn’t be surprised at messes, but we can prepare for those messes by building up “relational capital” so we can have hard conversations while still remaining committed to one another relationally.  And, of course (shameless plug), developing your skills in peacemaking will help you respond helpfully when the messes arise!

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