Lessons From the Little Ants
Ants are constantly absorbing themselves in useful work for the good of their group. Take up or continue doing a useful job in your life. As a true Christian, (followers of Christ—Christ means he who is filled with God.) the spiritual group that you should identify with is made up of people who are ready to make any sacrifice to grow nearer to God. They, as Jesus did, serve only God, and no lesser interests. You must serve this group of people who are struggling to be good in a difficult atmosphere.
Ants quietly do their duty and, by steady activity, accomplish much. Look at everything with penetrating, calm judgment. You always have enough concentration to do things that distract you from God. So now you must acquire the habit of turning toward God. Progress will be slow and steady, but the God-ward direction is your aim.
Ants never selfishly hoard. Like ants, we should not consider the temporary luxuries we have at our disposal as ours to hoard or misuse. God is everywhere and in everything. To waste anything is to waste God. Prosperity is ours to use for the good of mankind. “More property” means God expects us to do more for mankind. He didn’t give us a new car so that we can feel proud because we could outrun the local police. Every act of yours either takes you nearer to the Lord or away from Him.
Ants do not lose heart when obstacles arise or changes occur. They simply do their best. God takes care of the rest. Your actions are responsible for your progress or your decline. When you do an act for Jesus, let Jesus decide upon the result. If you have asked Him for work, you have to accept His control of the outcome. What you receive and when you receive it depends upon His grace. If the outcome doesn’t turn out to be what you were expecting but your spirits remain buoyant, that is a valuable achievement. Simply do your best, God will do the rest.
Ants are never seen excitedly chasing a fit of passion. God’s wages are your good qualities. So if you want cash instead of virtue why are you following Jesus?
If you have to fill a role that seems distasteful, do it out of love. Then you may stop at the time that seems right to you. When your mind seems compelled to look into certain activities, do your best to see God there. Ask yourself, “How is Jesus working through me here? This work is a manifestation of God; how can I see God in it? For what reasons do I often feel critical?”
Look for the areas in your conduct that need improvement. Don’t waste time trying to highlight others’ weaknesses. Share their joys, encourage them, and direct them toward God in times of trouble, but let Jesus take care of them in His way. Don’t enforce your will on others or think that you alone are responsible for their welfare. If you are solely in charge, what is God’s role?
Let your efficiency and enthusiasm for God’s work earn you the right to play higher and higher roles. Your job is to slowly take the mind, body, and emotions out of their position of control over your life, while you constantly pray to God that He takes over. Fear not: He has no other work than to lovingly watch over and nurture His children.
