Summer is quickly passing and winter will arrive soon. As I look beneath my feet on this beautiful southern California day, in the grass I see ants. I remember a quote from the book of Proverbs directing us to “consider the ant and be wise”. I decided it was time for me to consider what the lowly ant offered in the way of wisdom.

As I watched the trail of little black dots move rhythmically I noticed they all were well focused on their task. Then I decided to consider them. Here is what I found:

There are around 13,000 species of ants. They move with profound speed. They are equipped with certain characteristics, which allow them to fulfill their roles in their colonies. They are social and work in teams. Workers can carry objects more than 10 times their own weight. They seek to meet the needs of the entire colony.

The Wise King Solomon

The Proverb I remembered is found in Proverbs 6:6, written by King Solomon. He became the wisest man in the world according to the account in the Bible. God bestowed upon him “a wise and discerning heart”. (1 Kings 3:12 New International Version) Although King Solomon was empowered with wisdom, he, as you and I, are fully able to choose to use wisdom to engage our gifts. We have a choice.

This wise man recorded much advice regarding how we are to conduct ourselves day-by-day in our relationships, and shape our attitudes in the book of Proverbs, along with other parts of the Bible written by King Solomon.

We find the following in the King James Version of Proverbs 6:6-8: “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”

I decided to examine elements of the ant’s life cycle. Here are three key areas we can consider the ants and be wise:

1. Purpose driven. When ants arrive on the planet they are built to fulfill a distinct purpose. The adult ant becomes either a: queen, worker, soldier or male. Whatever their individual roles they come together to achieve the purpose of the colony. Relentlessly, focused on that purpose they forge ahead facing tremendous obstacles.

God has set a plan out before us. We have the option to fulfill His plan by operating in purpose. That purpose is to drive our comings and goings. We are to pursue that purpose as if it is the wheel that guides our vehicle to its desired destination. Be purpose driven.

2. Collaborative. The queen lays eggs. The workers collect food and feed members of the colony. The soldiers defend the colony. The males mate with the queen to produce more eggs. When each insect operates according to their inherent gifts the individual contributes to the balance of the colony. They work diligently for the success of the entire colony, regardless of tasks performed. The colony honors the value of the team as a whole.

Each of us is gifted uniquely. We have value as individuals, when those individual parts are connected as an effective team the importance of each part takes on a new perspective. Honoring our gifts, and those of others creates a positive synergy that is more effective than those same parts on their own. Seek collaborative opportunities.

3. Planner. The ants secure food in summer and store up for the winter. They gather in the summer with the understanding that the winter will come. They work industriously to meet the need for the entire colony before the challenges of winter appear.

As long as we are here on the earth there will be seasons. We have been forewarned of changes to come, why not use wisdom and have the best outcome by being in God’s perfect will. Recognize the areas God has already shown you, and make plans.

Consider the ant; be wise!

When King Solomon recommended we consider the ant and be wise he was giving a significant model. Over the next several weeks as summer comes to a speedy close, when you see an ant, consider the ant and be wise. Summer is almost over.

Take Inventory and Take Action!

We have the capacity to gain wisdom around us, even beneath our feet on a summer day. Purpose driven, collaborative, planner; consider the ant, and indeed be wise!

Love,

Deborah

“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”