May 7, 2015
The Wise Invaders!
Scripture Setting: Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their
ways and become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to
make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter.
Proverbs 6:6-8
Each morning and evening before I retire and upon awaking I ensure that I
carefully clean my kitchen counters leaving no trace of food in an effort to
ensure that I do not inadvertently invite an army of ants to overtake
and partake of any morsel of food. But try as I may, those little invaders
continually march into my kitchen in search of any crumb left on the floor. In
studying their behavior, I have discovered that they aren't picky; a sliver of
potato chip, a grain of rice, or even a speck of cheese will do.
Although ants may be a nuisance, the wise King Solomon attributes praise
to them for their steadfast work ethic (Prov 6:6-11). He pointed out that ants
are self directed. As our Scripture for today's meditation clearly posits, they
have " no prince or governor or ruler" (v. 7), yet they are very productive. The
ants also keep busy even when it's not immediately necessary, providing
supplies in the summer and gathering food in the harvest (v.8). By the time the
winter arrives, they're not worried about what they will eat. Little by little, these
hard workers have saved up enough to sustain themselves.
We can all learn from the ant. When God gives us times of plenty, we can
prepare for times when resources may be low. Our God Almighy is the sole
provider of all that we have, including our ability to work. We are to work
diligently, be wise stewards in what He has provided, and then rest in the
promise of His care (Matthew 6:25-34). Let's remember Solomon's advice:
"Take a lesson from the ants. . . . Learn from their ways and become wise!"
(Prov 6:6). Trust your Heavenly Father for today----and prepare for tomorrow!
By Lester A. Parkinson – Director of Resource Development
University Of the Southern Caribbean
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