Christian Ants

I've always been fond of this Proverb...

"Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer, or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest" (6:6-7).

Of course, Solomon is speaking of one's attitude towards physical labor. We should not be characterized by laziness and procrastination, but by diligence and a strong work-ethic. To illustrate the ant's strong disposition to work, the point is made that the ant will work just as diligently even though there is no one guiding it in its work. Again, the point is physical - we should have this same attitude when we work. We should work just as hard when the boss isn't around. We shouldn't have to be told what to do at every turn. These principles should guide our work-ethic.

However, as I read this passage this morning, it occurred to me that there is a spiritual application of this point. As Christians, we ought to strive to be like the ant on a spiritual level. 

It's true that God has designed the church to be a source of spiritual encouragement (Eph. 4:16; Heb. 10:24-25). There is great value in seeking the guidance of those who are more knowledgeable than us (2 Tim. 2:2; Jas. 3:1). There is even a sense in which ALL of us need to be taught (Rom. 10:14). Apart from our study of God's word, we all need help and counsel from time to time (Gal. 6:1-2).

However, like the ant of Proverbs 6:6-7, we should all, to a certain extent, be spiritually diligent without having to be constantly prodded by our brethren in Christ. At least, we should all get to this point. We should develop the discipline to study God's word because we have chosen to do so, to pray because we have chosen to pray, to overcome temptation because we have chosen to be strong in that moment, to go to church because it is the right thing to do...and not because someone is forcing us.

I understand that we all need the encouragement, and even the prodding, of our brethren from time to time. But there comes a point where we have to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12), and where WE have to examine OURSELVES (2 Cor. 13:5; 2 Pet. 1:10). 

Be a Christian ant.