254. Learn From the Ant

“Go to the ant, O sluggard, consider her ways and be wise.” Prov. 6:6.

Ants build their anthill facing the sun and against the north and east side of a tree for support. This is the best possible way for the anthill to stay warm. As soon as the sun rises, the ants start working. All the ants’ paths lead to the anthill; every ant works as much as it can. If a twig is too big for the one ant, then several of them will get hold of it and carry it to the anthill.

Lack of work brings laziness, and laziness brings need. Watch the ants and observe their ways. First the natural, then the spiritual. Even though they have no captain, overseer, or ruler, they prepare their food in the summer and gather their provisions in the harvest. Verses 7 and 8.

The foolish virgins had failed to gather oil in their vessels. They were lazy. In the natural realm you have to be diligent to gather provisions, and it requires no less diligence when it comes to gathering spiritual food. The needs of a lazy man are like an armed man, like a vagabond, because work is like a plague to him, totally overwhelming; it is like a strong man armed with a shield. What an awful state to be in!

It is blessed to work with your hands and with your spirit. The fallow ground of the poor can yield much food. The foolish virgins begged oil from the wise virgins. This is the fate of the lazy. They end up begging. There are also those at the meetings who, spiritually speaking, never have anything to give. They just demand and open their mouth like a young pigeon so that others can put something in. In the beginning this is quite natural, when one is a spiritual infant, but if it continues when one, according to the time, ought to have been a teacher, then it is a great shame.

In the church also all paths lead to the anthill, that is, to the spiritual temple, which is being built since we are being built up together with the others to be a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Let all things be done for edification. Be active in building up the kingdom of God. If a twig is too heavy for your brother, then pitch in and help him carry it. When the temple is being built, not everyone is a minister of the Word, but everyone can be a servant of God. We have no ruler, officer, or chief and neither does the ant. Nonetheless the work is quickly carried out. Everyone builds lawfully according to an inner longing and leading. That is how it should be.

How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? You say: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep!

And your poverty will come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man! Verses 9, 10, and 11.