Proverbs 6:6-8,
“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provides her meat in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.”
We are given the example of the ant and told to consider her way and be wise. From my early years as a non-believer into my adult years as a committed believer, I’ve read this passage and put these words to the practical thoughts of “do not be lazy people”, however, today I see so much more than the obvious picture painted. I’m looking at the spiritual aspect of not being lazy about our walk before the LORD, we are to work diligently toward building lives of faith, because without faith it is impossible to please him and we are rewarded, just as the ant is rewarded for her labor, when we diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).
Diligence develops wisdom and wisdom reflects the duty that is every man’s calling. God uses the ant which may appear to be an insignificant part of creation to teach us that even they know what they need to be doing for their life; yet, we, as humans, wander around in spiritual darkness, not sowing, not yielding fruit, not harvesting souls for eternity and not growing into mature Christians.
We are to set our heart and souls to the purpose of seeking the LORD (1Chronicles 22:19); we must be committed in what we believe and seek Him diligently (Hebrews 11:6); we must be people of virtue and knowledge as we develop our faith (2Peter 1:5); our work before God must include keeping our heart from bitterness (Hebrews 12:15); we must make diligence our calling (2Peter 1:10); in the work to be done in our lives and those lives that the LORD places in our paths, we must be steadfast, unmovable, and abounding in the work of the LORD so that any and all the work we do is not done in vain, but is done in and through the LORD.
Brothers and Sisters, take heed of the diligent ant! Are we working now for the kingdom of God? Is the winter approaching when it is time to finish the harvest? Will we be caught off guard or will the storehouses of the Kingdom be full and ready to give praise and honor to our LORD because of the work we completed in His name?
Prayer: LORD you came to complete the work your Father called you to do and now you ask us to complete the work you are calling us to finish. We know that we can do nothing without your blessings and direction, so we ask that you bless the works of our hearts and hands as we go about this day serving you. May the harvest of lives be the reward of our labor for you as we give testimony of your faithful love for your people. LORD, call to our hearts and spirits so that we continue to search your Word for truth and direction. LORD, if we seek you diligently and will do what is right in your sight, and give attention to your commandments and keep all your statutes; we know that you will direct our paths. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Abiding Still,
Connie Renfro ©
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