LOOK TO THE ANT

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

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We will all face times in life when tragedy strikes, when the unexpected robs us of our health, time, or resources. If we want to be the kind of people who endure such hardship without losing our faith or without giving up on our dreams and hopes in life, then we need to prepare for the hard times while the sun is shining and life is going well. 

Our teaching from the book of Proverbs for today speaks to the way that preparation can help us triumph over times of adversity. 

6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!

7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,

8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. 

9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?

10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest —

11 and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

(Proverbs 6:6-11 NIV11)

Ants

Maybe you are not a great fan of the humble ant, especially the dreaded fire ant, but the author of Proverbs is challenging God’s children to look to the way that these brainless creatures pull together to meet the needs of their entire family through amazing cooperation and hard work. 

The purpose of the ant reference is to help the child of God see that productivity and hard work are hallmarks of those who have embraced the wisdom of God. 

Sluggard

Then the author of Proverbs points to the opposite of the productive and wise ant. Meet the sluggard. The NIV uses the term “sluggard” eleven times within the message of Proverbs. Each of these references points to a person who demonstrates a decisively unwise attitude or habit. 

In this case, the sluggard is seen in a state of inaction. This foolish person is seen wasting their time and their productive seasons as they seek out comfort and ease. 

What can the sluggard expect to reap from their lack of investment? They will be surprised by the fact that life will pass them by as will many opportunities to advance your goals and ambitions in life. 

Preparation = Perseverance 

There is a point of application here that needs to be highlighted. The ant prepares for the lean times during the easy times. When the sun is out and life is good, this kind of wise person makes the most of these opportunities. 

The wise do not sleep away their opportunity to prepare for the hard times. They make the most of the good days so that they will have resources and strength to withstand the hard days. 

Spiritual Maturity

One area in which all of God’s children can grow and become more prepared for the rough days that lie ahead in life can be found in the way we invest in our own personal spiritual maturity. 

•  Are we using the time and attention God has provided for us today so that we can grow in our knowledge and understanding of God’s word?
•  Are we building stronger relationships with other followers of Christ in the good times so that we will have God’s people around us in the bad times?
•  Are we investing in our own futures today, or are we sleeping through the good times, hoping the bad times simply never come our way?

Look to the ant. 

Invest in your walk with God today. 

You won’t regret it!

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Works at MTN. CHURCH

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

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