“Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, but much increase is by the strength of the ox.” Proverbs 14:4
An ox is a Beast of Burden for Increasing Productivity
A man can plow a field in his own strength but he accomplishes less and it takes much longer. If he invests in an ox however, it creates another set of problems.
First of all, he must feed the ox. That requires cash flow; therefore the ox must produce more than he costs.
Secondly, the ox must be strong. That means you don’t buy an ox to direct traffic. You buy an ox to do what it is gifted at – primarily, hard labor.
Thirdly, it is a given that the ox will make a mess in your crib. He does not have management etiquette. He’s an ox and his mistakes or messes will cost you money. Nevertheless, an ox can bring much increase and the word of the Lord advises us to get an ox if we want increase.
So, what if you’re not into farming? Well, an ox is anything you can have authority over that if it functions according to its strength, will produce a profit. An ox is at its simplest form, a burden bearer. That could be an employee, contractor, or a website, etc. It is anything that will give you leverage so you can begin increasing productivity while producing more increase than it costs you.
If your ox is an employee, be prepared to deal with their messes.
If you have people working with or for you, you will have messes, but if they are functioning in their strength, you will get increase. By that I mean, if you are able to tap into their strength and keep them plowing a straight furrow (keep them focused on the job at hand), you will have increase. Period.
The same is true for websites. Websites are a tool. If used properly they can bring tremendous increase. But too many people create a website that looks nice and wonder why they aren’t getting results. It’s similar to a boy raising an ox who takes it to the 4H club on the weekends to show off its size and appearance. He brushes it daily, feeds it well, but gets no increase because he is not utilizing it for the purpose it was created.
If you don’t know what an appropriate ox for your business is, or if you have an ox of one kind or another, but are not increasing productivity like you think you should, walk with us for awhile. We may have some God solutions for you.
In the meantime, please tell me about some of the ox’s you know about that increase productivity and produce a profit for you.
Michael,
Thanks for this blog. The word of God is the answer to all of life and you disseminate it so beautifully!
Well done!
YJA
There is a lot more to this subject than what I posted, but I wanted to share some of the initial thoughts on it right away. Thanks for your unwavering support!
Thanks Michael, great explanation. Now I understand this verse!! I’ll have to share this one with my friends!!
You are welcome Jose… There is a lot to this verse if you take the time to think on it. It truly is a secret to prosperity!
Thanks for a timely article and parable. It has been on my mind to make changes to the web sites I have. They look nice, but have not been productive. I believe they are the ox God has currently placed in my hands.
Joanne… Like any ox, a website needs direction and focus. You might find the 7 Points of Light Marketing Strategy a very helpful tool. You can download it without having to part with money. Just check out the download options for that product.
Michael, it is so wonderful to have you back to share the great insights God has imparted to you. Our ministry has expanded globally to include an orphanage in Africa. We believe in the principle that “money follows ministry.” The more we minister God’s love the more He provides to us. Our God is El Shaddai, the God of MORE THAN ENOUGH. You are blessed to be a blessing. Thank you Michael.
Hi Peter… What an awesome perspective and one I agree with wholeheartedly! In business, I use an expression that “cash follows clarity”. A clear and compelling vision does attract provision. Please share more about your ministry my friend so others can read about it as well. Blessings, Michael
Very good Insights! I will share it to my Partners in business.. Thank You!
Excellent. Be sure to let them know how they can get resources by paying with “clicks” instead of cash. (See About page) Blessings!
I was reminded of this proverb this week and how many times Godly stubbornness, or perseverance, is often attributable to the ox. I love the application in sales tools and technology…I am expecting more insight and revelation on that to help give me clarity on building my site to leverage it’s strength and profitability. Thanks!
There are many applications to be taken from this illustration. I love how God’s Word is both strong and flexible. Flexible in the sense that it is adaptable and can be applied so widely.
Hello, Michael…
Really am glad to see you again engaging us actively here after a long break. Your blog may also be saying that inefficiencies and effectiveness are part and parcel of the beast of burdens that are available for productivity. How really true it is especially in the realm of sales and marketing!
Upon that simple yet powerful Verse in Proverbs and with your blog, you compel me to go back and dig in again into what could be there more to leverage on the oxens’ effectiveness while continuously mitigating the real risks of its messes….till next correspondence and I look forward to another stretch of a longer journey with you!
Your co-raincatcher, BenjieC.
Love your heart Benjie! Are you familiar with Pastor Joe Joemarie in Iloila City? He pastors Restoration Life Center but he oversees 70 churches in the Philippines and is the Vice President of the Foursquare Gospel with over 2000 churches there. We are discussing the possibility of us coming over there for both a business conference and a series of city wide revival meetings. Interested?
Wow! So much was said in just this short post! I have an ox and I am looking forward to learning how to use it for the purpose for which it was intended. Thanks for the wisdom from above and I believe that as I continue to learn from you, I will see an increase in my business for the good of the kingdom. Thank You for your faithfulness. May you and your wife be blessed.
Hi Melinda…
Thank you so much for touching base. As you know, we are just getting started again and we would love it if you can spread the word on posts you like through social media. Our business model is much different this time. I am trying to help as many people as possible without creating a financial barrier. Therefore, anyone can download almost any product without financial obligation. All we ask is for their help in spreading the word.
Blessings,
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HI Khalid. You and your company do great work! 3D Solutions has done a great job for us!
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Thanks for the post , now I don’t feel so bad about my messy desk.
That’s funny Daniel… You made me smile with that comment!
Hmm…a vary interesting perspective. I will be re-reading and seeing what “Oxen” I have in my life.
Thanks,
-M.Hall
Hi Marquis… Would love to see what you come up with. I think that would help other readers as well.
Michael, several months after you went dark I called and was told that you still weren’t up to “it” yet. I thought “what a loss”. Maybe now it seems to be a gain. I was so impressed when you spoke at the FCCI conference in Jamaica in 2002 or 2003. I’ve missed your short insightful daily mails. Glad to see you back and would love to see you share some details on what happened in you after she passed.
My apology for being so personal, but right now I am sort of surrounded by people with very serious health problems.
Robert A. Cook used to finish his radio messages with “Walk with the King and be a blessing”. You seem to already do that.
Thank you for coming back.
Hi Bill;
Thank you for your kind words! We are working on a book that addresses just what you asked. I hope to have that ready this year. Will be sure to let you know about it my brother.
I can tell you with certainty that God has done a good thing and a deep thing in me and I am grateful and stronger for it.
Would love to share more and may do so on some of these blogs.
Blessings my friend,