The Empty Stall Stigma

The whole issue of productivity can be boiled down to what is used and what is not. Busyness for busyness sake is not productivity. Neither does the hand of the idle nor the belly of the sluggard compliment a job well done or an enterprise fully accomplished. Yet, these two diametrically opposed sides of the coin have much more in common than the initial inspection would reveal.

It is true that the empty stall gathers no mess. It is also true that a rolling stone gathers no moss and that a parked car saves wear and tear on the tires while increasing gas mileage. An un-watered lawn saves water and an un-vacuumed room stirs no dust.

This train of thought leads only to abuse through non-use. More is at stake here than is easily observable because it is hidden behind the perception that ‘safe’ is alright. After all, nothing will be lost if nothing is placed at risk—right?

The gifts, talents, and abilities that God has given to us were given for a reason. He wants to accomplish two things—the development of His resources and the deployment of His servants. Neither can take place in a venue of safety. Man’s propensity for safety stalls everything that God seeks to do in the life of a believer that—somewhere along the line—told God that they are His and that they will go wherever He wants them to go and do whatever He wants. But, they settle into a predictable lifestyle that yields neither fruit nor adventure. 
That’s right, I said ‘adventure.’ God wants us on the edge of our seats just waiting for what He reveals—just ahead—around the corner. He wants us dependent upon Him for directions through the things that will shape us into vessels He can use—in His way, in His time. No predictability here!

Proverbs 14:4 says, "An empty stall stays clean," but the second half of the verse says,  “but no income comes from an empty stall.”

The question I face is this—“What will I do with my stall?” Will I keep it clean and safe and predictable or will I invite people and events that will change its pristine décor and, perhaps, leave a mess. Will my stall show signs of use and be a friendly place for those who need God’s touch or will it resemble one of those museum displays of a room where so-and-so used to sit and reflect on who knows what?

What will be the epitaph when all is said and done? Will more be said than done?

Ah, yes. An ode to the odorless stall.