LEARNING DAILY

 

Proverbs 6:6-11, Go 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. How long will you slumber O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep – so shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.

 

I have known some people that might fit the definition of a sluggard – one who puts off beginning what he/she should do, one who does not finish what has been started, or one who follows the least difficult course of action (Life in the Spirit Study Bible). That might even describe my own life at times. Obviously, it is not a favorable term as implies both laziness and one who is not responsible. Solomon recommends that this type of person should consider following the example of the hardworking ant. Laziness and being idle is not looked upon in a favorable way in the Bible. Paul even wrote that if one did not work, they should not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Before I continue the following must be understood: Those who cannot work must be differentiated from those who will not work!

 

Let’s consider the ant because Solomon points to it as an example of hard work. The first thing to notice is the ant does not need any superior to stand over it making sure it works; it does so on its own. Perhaps you have seen a trail of ants bringing food and supplies back to the colony. If you have you have seen these tiny ants carrying huge items on their back (relative to the size of the ant). It appears that every ant in the colony knows and completes their task, independent of other ants standing over them making sure the task is completed. Can we say all are busy knowing the colony depends on every ant doing their part.

 

Every Christian needs to take the lesson of the ant and apply it their life. There should be no need of any supervisor standing over you so that you complete a task given to you. Paul also wrote that Christians are to work as bondservants to the Lord, doing all we do for His honor and glory (Ephesians 6:6-7). The hard work a Christian does should be done to please the Lord. I can imagine Solomon writing to Christians to stop slacking off or avoiding actual work and be like the ants in their work.

 

It seems to me that there is another application besides working hard in our careers, in school, and in our work around the house (you noticed I added some thoughts about where hard work can be applied). Let me add that slothfulness and laziness might be even more tempting in our spiritual life. 2 Peter 1:10-11 is clear, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The things Peter wrote to be diligent about are faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. By reading/studying/ meditating on God’s Word and taking time to pray and seek God’s guidance as you walk on the narrow way you add these things to your life. You cannot be a “sluggard” in doing this! Earnestly and diligently seek to grow spiritually or you will stumble in your faith. The reward for being diligent is eternal life in Christ’s kingdom!