Life's Lessons From The Ant Pt. 3

"Go to the ant, you lazy one! See her ways and be wise, which, having no commander, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, gathers her food in her harvest" (Prov. 6:6-8)

The activity of the ant, like other insects, is affected by the temperature. As the nest cools in the fall (autumn) ants becomes weaker and are unable to provide for themselves. Therefore during the warm months they must gather food while they have the strength to do so. Apparently ants are not bothered by freezing weather because they hibernate during the coldest months. In the spring, as temperatures warm, they become active long before food is plentiful and must rely on what has been stored the previous summer.

Here's a lesson on being prudent. Reason so many get into debt and financial downside is because when times are good (unlike the ant that stores its food for the cold months) they indulge in themselves for the moment not really bothered about what may be ahead years from now. They live on credit cards, bank loans, upgrading their lifestyles and spending as much as they earn. When bad times hit, they are the ones that's without help.

That reminds me of a cartoon show about this musician ant. While the rest are working hard to store food for the coming winter, he cared only about his violin. He wouldn't heed advice and refused to work. He just wanted to play his violin. Winter came and all the ants were in the nest having a party (because they don't work in winter). The musician ant was on the outside, hungry and cold and on the verge of dying. Kinda like a guy I know. Wouldn't do much work during good times. All he did was play the share market. When the financial crisis hit our nation, he had so sell off his properties and look for a stable job. You will be fortunate if you can find employment during recession! So learn form the ant. Be prudent.

In the Bible, when Joseph was the Prime Minister of Egypt, he built storehouses all over Egypt during times of prosperity. One season when famine hits and everybody was without food, they came to Joseph selling their lands and houses just so they can buy gain. While everyone was losing out Joseph was accumulating wealth. Bible did say that God will transfer the wealth of the wicked into the hands of the righteous. You need to be prudent at all times! Think about Noah and the ark!

Another thing about the ant, they are very concern about their cleanliness. They are greeted by younger worker ants at the entrance to the nest. These younger ants lick the older ones clean in a manner similar to a drive-through car wash. The antennae are given special attention because of the many segments which must be kept clean. If the joints of the segments become sticky and clogged with dirt, the ant may lose the use of its major sensory organ.

You can see by now that the ant is not independent of each other. Though they are many yet they belong to one Body. Doesn't that sound familiar? Within the church we are to look out for one another, encouraging, edifying and correcting one another. And one thing, we are to keep ourselves "clean" from the contamination of sin and of the world. We need to build each other, not tear each other apart. Remember who is the Head of the church! Let's watch out for each other for the glory of God. When we learn to live together, like the ant colony, we ain't afraid of bad times. In fact, we thrive during bad times! Try destroying part of an ant nest. Immediately there will be a heighten activity within the nest to rebuild! Instead of quarreling, they work towards a common purpose!

Go to the ant you lazy one .... and learn from them!