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.
—Proverbs 6:6-8

Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?
—Proverbs 8:1

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Wisdom from the Ant
By Jennifer Kane

She moves among the quiet places,
where whispers of effort hum like wind in the grass.
Her hands, never idle, weave purpose into every moment,
each motion a thread in a tapestry of togetherness.

She does not seek the sun,
but lets her work bloom in its warmth,
a flower unnoticed but vital,
holding beauty in the roots beneath.

Prepared for the unknown,
she builds today what tomorrow may need.
Her steps are deliberate, her path unwinding,
an ordered dance in the chaos of life.

She bends low, not in weakness,
but in humility,
lifting the weight others cannot bear.
Her strength is found in her quiet surrender,
her pride in the good of the whole.

When the winds change,
she bends, she shifts,
never breaking,
but growing stronger in the curve of her resolve.
Faith anchors her, unseen and steadfast,
guiding her through unseen storms.

A team worker, a diligent dreamer,
she labors unseen yet never alone—
a life lived not for glory,
but for the flourishing of all.

~~~~~

Scripture: Proverbs 6:6-8, Proverbs 8:1

God often uses His creation to teach us profound spiritual truths. In Proverbs, we are directed to observe the ants and learn from their diligence and wisdom. Let’s explore the lessons these tiny creatures teach us about serving God.

Ants teach us teamwork.
Ants work together to build colonies and gather food, achieving far more collectively than they could alone. Their success comes from collaboration. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” As members of Christ’s body, we should actively listen, share ideas, and encourage others, working in harmony to build His kingdom.

Ants teach us diligence.
Ants are tireless workers, staying focused on their tasks no matter how difficult. Philippians 4:13 assures us: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Like ants, we can set goals, overcome obstacles, and trust God to give us the strength to persevere in our efforts for His glory.

Ants teach us preparation.
By gathering food in summer to prepare for winter, ants demonstrate wisdom and foresight. Jesus teaches us in Luke 16:10: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” We too should plan for future challenges—whether spiritual, emotional, or physical—trusting God to guide and bless our efforts.

Ants teach us order.
Ant colonies are highly structured, ensuring every task is completed efficiently. This reflects God’s call for order in our lives: “But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way” (1 Corinthians 14:40). By staying organized in our responsibilities, we can serve God more effectively and avoid unnecessary stress.

Ants teach us humility.
Ants accomplish much without drawing attention to themselves. Jesus advises us in Matthew 6:2: “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do… Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” Let us work faithfully and humbly, focusing on the results of our labor for God’s glory rather than seeking recognition from others.

Ants teach us selflessness.
Ants care for and protect their colonies, even sacrificing themselves for the good of others. Jesus declared in John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” We are called to love and serve others, reflecting Christ’s ultimate act of selflessness on the cross.

Ants teach us adaptability.
Ants adjust to changing environments and overcome obstacles with creativity and resilience. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Life is full of changes, and we must remain flexible, trusting God to guide us through every new season.

Ants teach us quiet faithfulness.
Ants are quiet workers, humbly focusing on their tasks. The Bible encourages us in 1 Thessalonians 4:11: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you.” When we work diligently and humbly, God exalts us in His time, and our faithfulness becomes a testimony to His goodness.

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Heavenly Father, thank You for the lessons we learn from Your creation. Help us to emulate the diligence, humility, and wisdom of the ants. Teach us to plan ahead, work together, and serve selflessly for Your glory. Strengthen us to persevere through challenges, trusting You in every season. May our work reflect Your goodness and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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January 25, 2024