Empty Stables

“An empty stable stays clean—
but there is no income from an empty stable.”
Proverbs 14:4 (TLB)

It appears that churches all over the country are staying “clean” but receiving no “income”.

But what is the “income” of a local church? Of course, money is the obvious necessity for a church building to function with lights, AC, staff, repairs, materials, etc.

But consider other means of “income” to the local church. Think “blessings.”

When a person publicly announces he/she has just been saved, that is a HUGE amount of income. Another great amount of income comes when a person has recommitted to the Lord. When a young person confesses that he/she has surrendered to the Lord’s call into some type of ministry, that is a local church’s income. Answered prayer, inspiring testimony, powerful time of worship, etc. are all seen as “income”.

Income is received from an investment made.

Just because church buildings are remaining neat, clean and tidy, that doesn’t mean there is no income being received into the life of the church. People are still being saved, drawing closer to the Lord, seeing prayers answered and giving testimonies to God’s faithfulness.

The tenet of Proverbs 14:4 remains true. But let’s not confuse that principle with the life of the local church during this time of shut-down.

Buildings may go dark but God never will!