The Ants Go Marching…
If you are like me, when you think of ants, one of the things that pops into your head is the song referenced in the title of this article. You’re welcome for getting it stuck in your head, too!
Another thing that immediately comes to mind is the well-known lesson that the grasshopper learned in Aesop’s famous fable … that was already referenced in Proverbs. Proverbs 6:6 tells us, “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise.” Again, in Proverbs 30:25 we can read, “The ants are a people not strong, Yet they prepare their food in the summer.’
Ants are often admired for their strength and work ethic, but I have discovered another characteristic of ants that we, as Christians, may need to emulate. With all of the rain we have gotten in Tennessee, the little ants are constantly looking for higher, dryer ground. I’ve even found them in the shower!
This made me think of the scope of their efforts. Yes, we know they work hard and we need to learn from that, but can we also learn from their example of broadening their “field of effort.” Often, we stick with the familiar in our efforts to spread the gospel. We might make excuses that we have the most influence where we are known. Or we might even be honest and say that the unknown makes us uncomfortable. But if we were as desperate to find souls to save as ants are to find food and safety, maybe we would broaden out scope.
And maybe we can get an idea from that annoying song I got stuck in your head. The ants go marching in groups … of twos, threes, etc. Perhaps the unknown won’t be so scary if we march out together to complete the job Jesus left us.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. ~ Matthew 28:19-20
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AUTHOR: Amber Tatum
