Scripture: Proverbs 6:6-8 and 30:24-28
Reflection:
It is interesting that when God in the scriptures needs an illustration of wisdom, He often turns to the world of nature. Balaam was proved foolish by his donkey (Numbers 22), Job points us to nature (Job 12:7-10), and even Solomon, described as ‘wiser than anyone else’ (1 Kings 4:31), is not sufficient for the purpose.
We have all seen ants in the garden, usually busy going to and fro about their work. They are small (although some species can grow to over 5cm (2”) long), weak and insignificant creatures, easily trampled underfoot, and not welcome if they come into the house. More than 12,000 species are known, and they are found on every continent of the world, except, ironically, Antarctica.
But what can we learn from this tiny creature?
The scripture mentions ants twice – both in Proverbs. And in both cases they are described as ‘wise’ because they makes preparation in summer for the difficult winter months ahead.
You may have seen an ant colony in a zoo, where the ants can be seen running along ropes carrying pieces of leaf, far bigger than themselves, making provision for the lean times ahead. Even in the garden one can sometimes see this. They may be small and have ‘little strength’, but their strength lies in their unity. They live in well organised colonies, where each ant knows it’s place and the work assigned to it. And so they accomplish great things.
Does it not remind us of the words of Jesus? "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children” (Matt.11:25). The ’wise and learned’ in human estimation count for nothing in the eyes of God, if there is not dependence on His wisdom.
The Apostle Paul further emphasises this in 1 Cor. 1:27, ‘…God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.’ It is rather a lesson in the wise use of our time.
A lady once said to me that she believed God brought her to a certain place for a purpose. That had been 25 years earlier, and she was still waiting. She died, still waiting. We can while away our days, always waiting for something better to come along, or we can work in useful and satisfying ways with others, knowing that we are serving God.
Prayer:
Lord,
Time is a precious gift which you give to us.
Once gone, it cannot be regained.
Help me to use my time wisely.
AMEN
Songs:
Food for Thought:
Take time to think about what fills your time. Ask these questions:
Which activities are a legitimate use of my time?
Which activities honour God and which do not?