"Tiny Teachers"

“Tiny Teachers”

 

Perhaps you’ve gone on a picnic and been invaded by an army of ants looking for a free meal. (It’s happened to me more than once.) By stepping on them, spraying Raid, or moving our eating spot we do our best to rid ourselves of these tiny pests. Maybe we ask ourselves what possible use these little creatures could ever have (other than feeding aardvarks).

But have we ever stopped and thought of the valuable lessons we can learn by watching these small insects? Believe it or not, there are several. In Proverbs 6:6-8 Solomon writes this description: “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.” Let’s look at some principles for life we can learn from ants.

First, notice how they go about their duties without having to be prodded to do so by a straw boss. They see a job needs to be done and they do it. Think of how pleased God would be if His people would rise to the occasion when a task needs to be accomplished without having to be asked time and again. Second, see how they plan ahead by using the summer as an opportune time to gather food for the winter. So often we as God’s people procrastinate until the last minute and wonder why things can’t be finished. We must make our plans early and begin to implement them appropriately. Finally, note how industrious they are. Instead of sleeping and wasting time they’re busy putting their limited time to the best use. We who have been born of God would do well to look at our lives to see how involved we are in insignificant things and lazy in the things that count. Jesus put it this way: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20). We’d do well to heed His words.

So the next time ants threaten to ruin an outing, learn from them before wiping out God’s tiny teachers.

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan