Fire Ants
I don’t like fire ants, but I do admire them. I suppose that is kind of a strange statement, so let me explain. Last week I was out in the yard playing catch with my son Gavin. I was wearing my flip-flop sandals, and I became an easy target for those pesky critters. It did not take long before I recognized their presence from their pinch-like sting. They left several pips on my feet where they got me. I moved, but they seemed to be everywhere. I finally went inside the house. Today, as I looked around the yard, I noticed several mounds that had arisen after the recent rains. The amount of dirt that they can move in a few days is impressive for their size. They are diligent creatures.
In Proverbs 6:6-8, the Holy Spirit teaches us about the power of diligence from the example of the ant. “Go to 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.” The power of the ant is the power of consistent effort. The ant, though small and insignificant, was able to drive me back into my house from enjoying a wonderful afternoon. The tiny ant can move mounds of dirt from below to above ground. How do they do it? They work together. They do not give up. They are consistent. They practice self-sacrifice.
We need to follow their example in taking the gospel to the world around us. Are we working together to do that? Are we being consistent in doing that? Are we being faithful? Are we being self-sacrificial? Do not forget 1 Corinthians 15:58.