“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 NLT)
We are approaching that time of the year where we will have to buy ant traps, complain about the ant hills in our yards and driveways, and a seasonal time where we start thinking, “How am I going to deal with these pesky insects at our picnic, patio dinners, and places where they invade the inside of our house?”
As our parents used to day, “Hold your horses!” Don’t get disgusted about it! Dismiss the anxiety that is already frustrating you because of the activity of the ants. We need ants!
A Harvard publication informs us about the significant role ants play in our ecosystem. The role that stood out to me was that they turn and aerate soil, allowing water and oxygen to reach plant roots. The ants are therefore important in God’s creation.
If you are asking, “Is there any relevancy to the prelude to what I am about to present?” The answer is “Yes!” Think about this first from a secular perspective. Why is it that we see all the help wanted signs everywhere we go. Employers need “ants,” human workers who will carry out the task necessary to serve their customers. When it comes to the world of work, we need to learn from the ants.
However, employers are not the only establishments needing “ants.” Every local church has a need for “ants.” And not just a faithful few of believers who devote themselves to the work of the church, but rather an increasing, ever-growing body of “ants” are needed for kingdom building work; God’s kingdom. Every local church needs “ants” everywhere, working, being the Lord’s witnesses, bringing folks out of darkness into the marvelous light, adding to the number in the church daily. That’s what happened in the early church as reported in The Book of Acts. We need “ants” to make the earth better, preparing the soil, the souls of men, to benefit from God’s grace and become save through faith in Jesus Christ.
Some people will find these “church ants” like you and me to be annoying, but be an “ant” anyway! Some folks will want to rid you from their sight, but be an “ant” anyway! Other will look at ways to stop you from working and to stomp out your influence, but be an ant anyway.
If you wear glasses, please put them on and note that I wrote “ants” and not “aints!” The harvest is plenty, so the local church needs “ants.” And one final note, the “ants” in God’s kingdom do not have a season other than the period of time throughout the year where we must do the work of Him who called us! Have a great Thursday! Be blessed!
“Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. “What a huge harvest!” he said to his disciples. “How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!” (Matthew 9:37-38 The Message Bible)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King