Go to the Ant and Be Wise

Go to the ant and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. Proverbs 6:6-8

Go to the Ant and Be Wise

Solomon points out that the ant, despite having no commander, overseer, or ruler, diligently stores provisions for all seasons. How much more should we, as followers of Christ, succeed in producing for ourselves and others?

In his second letter to those in the faith, Peter breaks down the action steps that lead to productive work — work that reflects Godly wisdom. Peter’s instructions offer seven virtues presented as a ladder: all based on the example of Jesus and the in-dwelling of his Spirit. 

Faith Leads to Good Works

Add to goodness your faith. First, we must believe in Jesus and believe the words of Jesus. This is the basis of our faith. James, the brother of Jesus, tells us that faith without works is dead. If we believe in Jesus and believe the words of Jesus let us act on this faith by offering goodness to our neighbor. Let our character reflect God’s goodness. Let others say of us, “They do good works.”

Goodness Leads to Greater Knowledge of Jesus

“Add to goodness the knowledge of Jesus.”  We only need a small amount of knowledge about Jesus to say yes to his invitation. Jesus affirms that even small children know enough of him to say yes to his love.

But once we know of someone and a small about about them, our relationship should deepen. We should desire to know more about that person. In doing so, we come to learn how to please them and anticipate how they might relate to us in any given situation. 

The Word of God is Jesus. He is the Word. Before anything was created, there was the Word. The Bible, from beginning to end, is Jesus. Once in the flesh, now Jesus, the Word of God, is alive and active in Scripture. His word heals, helps, leads, teaches, and saves. If we wish to know Jesus, we only need to look into his eyes. When our eyes meet his eyes in his Word, we gain knowledge of him.

Knowledge of Jesus Produces Self-control

“Add self-control to your knowledge” of Jesus. Once we know the character of Jesus the flaws in our character come to light. We recognize our sins and how we fail to meet his holy standards.

On our own, we lack the strength to fully reign in the desires of the flesh. Jesus had to die for us because, on our own, we cannot help but sin. But if we are born as new creatures and have His Spirit in us, then His Spirit can do for us what we are unable to do in our flesh.

Go to the ant and be wise: add self-control. Let Jesus become your cruise control. When we drift toward the ditch or cross the center lane, admit we’ve lost control and ask him to reset our path and get us back within safe boundaries. When my self, your self, our self are controlled by the Spirit of Jesus, we will become less of a threat to our neighbor and ourselves.

Self-control Produces Perseverance

“Add perseverance to self-control.” The road of life is long and our journey of faith is often plagued by problems, potholes, and detours. Determine in advance to find ways to make the trip enjoyable no matter what each day brings.

While in the moment, if we can find one more thing to look forward to, we will soon find that each breath is a moment to be treasured. Yes, life can be hard, cold, and lonely, but If we look, seek, and knock, we may find Jesus has provided for our every need. Perseverance demands we keep looking, keep knocking, keep asking.

At least twice Jesus made this point in two different parables. Perhaps he knew we might be tempted to give up. From his perspective, it’s always too early to pull off the side of the road and quit.

Pursue Godliness With Perseverance

“Add godliness to perseverance.” We are not God but we can reflect his character. Pray each day, “Lord, in my life today, your will be done. In my life today, I ask that your kingdom come and reign. Forgive me of my sins and give me your Spirit of forgiveness so that I may forgive others in the same way you forgive me. Keep me from temptation. In the same way, you protected the Eleven from Satan, protect me today so that I honor you in everything I do. Amen.”

Add to Godliness … Kindness and Love

“Add kindness to godliness.” A little bit of kindness goes a long way. A lot of kindness goes on for all eternity when done for the Lord.

Add love to kindness. Love covers a multitude of sins: ours and the sins of others. Our love doesn’t forgive us of our sins, but if we appreciate the love Jesus has for us and are grateful for the sacrifice he made in order for our sins to be forgiven, we will love others with a compassion that does not keep a record of the offenses of others. Kindness can be a one-time act of generosity. Love suggests and often leads to a lifetime commitment to care for another.

Not “Can’t” but “Ant!”

Let it be said of us that we work for the Lord with the diligence of an ant. If we would remove “can’t” from our faith and work with the diligence of an ant we could make a world of difference for the Kingdom of God.

Let us seek to know Jesus, and let him lead our steps. Never give up, trust in God, and reflect the character of God. Be kind to all and love with the love Jesus has for us. This is the power of the Good News that changes lives, families, and communities.