The Flip Side of the Ants
You know all those memes around this time of year that say “Check on your teacher friends … they are not ok!” Those are true! Not only has spring fever hit, but it is also testing season, allergy season, and wait-I-have-too-much-to-still-teach season. I say all of that to let you know, I have not totally lost my mind with this week’s article title.
Some of you may remember that a couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the dedication and teamwork we can see in the ants as they forage for food. I mentioned that I had seen ants seeking out new “fields” for harvest, even in the master shower of our home.
Now, I still admire the tenacity and the seeking new fields to harvest, but, seriously, know when to stop! There has not been, nor will there be, ant food in the shower. And if they are looking for higher and dryer ground, they might want to look elsewhere. I promise there are more fertile “fields” in our home for their search.
Hang with me … here comes my point: Recently, someone I love and admire shared an interaction they had with someone where an effort was made to get the “friend” to consider his example. It was said in love, in a non-accusatory way, and with a “just think about it” tone. Instead of the hoped-for response, this person got a “mind your own business and try reading Matthew 7:1-5!”
Here is the question: should that person continue to spend the best of his efforts on that type of attitude? Or would he be better served to – kindly and humbly – turn his efforts elsewhere where the yield is more plentiful? I’m not saying to write a person off because of an isolated bad day, but a repeated attitude of “I’m not interested” … in the gospel, in being a better person, of gaining more Bible knowledge … might just be the master shower of the ant world.
Perhaps that person needed to keep reading in Matthew 7:
“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces. Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” (Verses 6-8)
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AUTHOR: Amber Tatum
