Information Related to "Ants"
Audio/Video |
Ants By Colin Ogles Ants are a nuisance we all deal with at times. Yet there's a lot we as Christians can learn from the little ant.
here are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise; the ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer; the rock badgers are a feeble folk, yet they make their homes in the crags; the locusts have no king, yet they all advance in ranks; the spider skillfully grasps with its hands, and it is in kings' palaces" (Proverbs 30:24-28). I have no problems with rock badgers, locusts or spiders. Ants, however? That is another story. But first, what is Proverbs 30:24 trying to tell us by saying ants are exceedingly wise? Ants are just ants, aren't they? They can be real pests if they get into your house. However, if we examine how ants go about surviving in a hostile world, we begin to see the wisdom of ants. For even though just about every creature is bigger and stronger than they are, they are great survivors.
This proverb, written by Agur, son of Jakur, calls ants exceedingly wise and a people not strong. But why would God refer to ants this way, unless it is to get our attention? And it should get our attention, because Christians are a people not strong that need to remember this world is hostile to the truth revealed in God's Word and to those who live by it. And so God's people are warned: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Ants do what they can while they can Notice that ants prepare their food in the summer. Ants don't put off what they should be doing today until tomorrow. Tomorrow might be too late. They diligently go about their means of survival now, while they can. Sadly, many who want to be Christians keep putting off making the first step. The diligent study of the Bible, which provides spiritual food, in the summer of life while there is still time. None of us know what the autumn or winter of life may bring for us. Have you noticed how ants scurry about, searching every nook and cranny for food? We, too, should be searching every nook and cranny of God's Word for the spiritual food God has provided for us.
I have a number of potted plants in my conservatory that continually get reinfested with scale insects and aphids. As soon as I remove them another lot appear. Yes, the ants are responsible. These are their cattle and they promptly restock my plants so that they can harvest the honeydew from these insects. The lesson we can learn from the business that ants carry out is to be diligent in making a living and surviving financially. Consider this: Have you ever seen a lazy person who is spiritually diligent? It seems that how we live our lives carries over into our spiritual activities. It is God's desire that we prosper (3 John 2), especially in those things that lead to eternal life. We need to be diligent in all aspects of our lives to at least be considered wise as an ant. Ants keep doing
Yes, God wants a relationship with us, but we have to be persistent. We have to seek, to look for God and knock on His door. You might ask, "How do I seek and where do I knock?" If you are reading this, then you are probably seeking. If you pray to God about understanding His Word, then you are knocking. And if you do so, the Bible tells us, the door to wisdom will be opened so you may "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). Ants do for others
You may think that this utopian condition will never come about, but be assured it will in due time. In the meantime, find out how you can have your mind renewed; please request the free booklet . It points out many scriptures that, when understood, lead to wisdom and renewal. Copyright 2007 by United Church of God, an International Association All rights reserved. |
|||||||||||||||
Related Information:
Other Articles by Colin Ogles
Origin of article "Ants"
Keywords: ants diligence self-sacrifice lesson of ants
Diligence: