A Lesson from the Ants
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.1
Every year, at the change of each season, ants come out of their hiding places and proceed to invade our homes or personal spaces. We find them in trails of straight lines leading from a mysterious crack in the wall heading straight to our kitchens or bathrooms in search of food and water. Most of us consider them pests and find them to be a nuisance as we immediately go into action to eliminate them. But, if we’ve ever taken the time to observe these tiny intruders, we would find that their mission is not to annoy us at all; they are scurrying about, minding their own business, hurriedly seeking provisions for their colonies. And so, all year long they can be found in various places in long lines or groups, but rarely alone. It is quite a sight to see an ant easily carrying a piece of food twice its size; intent on returning it to the nest!
Even more interesting to me, is that the Bible asks us to consider these creatures and learn from them! Proverbs 6:7 points out to us that they don’t even need a “boss” telling them what to do or how to do it; they work together as a team and get the job done! When the ants set out on their journeys, they don’t stop to consider how many of them may not return that evening, nor do they stop to count their losses. They faithfully continue with the task at hand without allowing their focus to waver.
God knew this would be a tangible lesson for us to acquire, using one of the smallest creatures in his creation to teach us in a big way! Not only did God know we would battle laziness, but he also knew we would struggle to work with others. However, when our focus is centered on the prize–an eternity with our Savior–laziness and selfishness cease to become barriers for us. Let’s take a moment to consider these little teachers, we are wise to imitate their ways!
Suggested Prayer: Dear God, It amazes me when your creation has a lesson for me. I stand in awe and wonder when I consider how you care for me in such a detailed way. Thank you for loving me and sending your Son to save us from our sins and making a way for us to be with you one day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Proverbs 6:6-8 (NIV).
Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.