A Life in Exile

In his God-given wisdom, Solomon recognized how much we can learn from the natural world God created. As he continues to instill in his son some of what he has learned, we too can benefit from his insights from the smallest of creatures—the ant.

Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man. (Proverbs 6:6-11 ESV)

Don’t be a sluggard

In our earlier passages, Solomon works hard to encourage his son toward self-discipline and active alertness to the evils of this world and the importance of maintaining integrity in life. Much like the young man’s temptation toward the forbidden woman, we often seek guidance and gratification from the giants of society—the stars, the influencers, the wealthy and powerful. This is the natural tendency of a person who has no desire to really work hard for success. They want the end result without the work. This is the way of the sluggard.

What we find is that it is often those who have started at the bottom and worked their way up who are better able to understand what it really takes to succeed, because they know the cost. In pointing to the ant, Solomon is surprising his possibly pampered son and getting him to consider a different way—one that requires hard work.

Be self-motivated and diligent

The ant, living in community, is self-motivated. Solomon points out that there is no need for a chief, officer, or ruler when each member is motivated for the good of the whole. The ant doesn’t have to be told what to do, because she knows what is required to survive.

The instinct of the ant is to gather and prepare food for the colony, so the purpose of each member is clear. Do your part. What an amazing thought. Oh, if only mankind lived with such community-centered purpose.

The consequences of laziness

I know my own tendency toward laziness, and Solomon is pushing this point with his son. I wonder how much God saw this king-son conversation as one He would want to have with His own sons and daughters? I have the feeling Solomon’s words are God’s own to us; in fact, I’m sure of it, as I feel his nudge to rouse me from my sleep.

Oh, how we must be aware of our tendency toward complacency. How often do we recognize that we are facing a spiritual battle every day of this earthly life? There is no time to sleep! We must be working for the good of the Body of Christ, making sure that we are building up and encouraging with the spiritual food of God’s Word in order to spur one another toward love and good deeds. How else can we stand firm against the attacks of the evil one?

Just as physical poverty robs the lazy person of earthly success, so too will spiritual poverty rob us of our spiritual success for the Kingdom. This happens when we are too lazy to pray, read God’s Word, and remain in fellowship with our local community of faith.

Ponder the work of the ant this week and see how it can affect your life in this world and for the next.

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Friday Focus post, click HERE, or start this Walking in Wisdom series from the beginning.