Wise Ants

Q: What do you call the largest ant in the world?
A: An eleph-ant.

Please forgive the corny joke, but I have ants on my mind. Yesterday, I discovered that thousands of these diminutive insects had invaded our storage shed. Due to the increased rainfall over the last few days, I suppose the tiny creatures were forced above ground. I couldn’t walk in the building without stepping on one of them. Ant “Superhighways” crisscrossed the concrete floor. I am embarrassed to say (Well,... not really. ) that I had a lot of fun spraying them with "Hot Shot."

While the rain from Tropical Storm Fay caused the postponement of some events and delayed work projects in the last few days, ants remained focused on gathering food. The Bible tells us that we could learn a lot from ants.

The writer of Proverbs declared “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise (Prov. 6:6 NKJV).” Ants are disciplined, dependable and determined. The scriptures praise ants for working and gathering food even though they do not have a “captain, overseer or ruler (v.7).”

O.S. Hawkins, current CEO of Guidestone Financial Resources and former pastor of FBC Dallas, TX, has written a book entitled Antology. From his book written to help prepare ministers for their retirement years, I gained the idea for a sermon I preached last Labor Day. I can’t blame the outline on him. It’s mine. Let's look at ants.

Antology

Proverbs 6:6-11

Examine the Ant (6a)
"Go to the Ant..."

1. The Anatomy of Ants

Like all insects, ants have six legs. Each leg has three joints. The legs of ants allow them to move rapidly. Taking their size into account, ants are much quicker than humans. Also, "they" tell me that an ant's brain has about 250 000 brain cells. (Who counted them?) A human brain has 10,000 million cells. So, a colony of 40,000 ants has collectively the same number of brain cells as a human. So, for their size and brain power, ants are incredibly productive.

2. The Abode of Ants

Ant beds are amazing. Intricate tunnels provide passageways to chambers. They colony centers on a nest, which shelters the queen and the developing young. Ants don't follow a consistent construction plan for their nest like wasps or bees. They tend to create a nest rapidly, taking advantage of whatever materials are available. Most types of ants build a nest without investing a lot of energy. Consequently, they are able to move to a new site with little warning. This assists them in adapting to changing climate conditions.

3. The Abundance of Ants

There are over 10,000 known species of ants. Each ant colony has at least one or more queens. In the rain forests of the Amazon, for instance, ants are so numerous that their total weight is about four times the weight of all the area’s mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians combined. O.S. Hawkins claims that if you take all the ants in the world and weighed them they would outweigh the total of all the humans on the earth.

Evaluate the Ants (6b-7)
"Consider her ways..."

1. Ants are Disciplined.

These tiny insects accomplish their work without a "captain, overseer, or ruler." They take initiative and get the job done without being told to do so.

2. Ants are Dependable.

These diminutive insects faithfully do their work in all types of challenging weather conditions.

3. Ants are Determined.

Ants can lift 20 times their own body weight. Once, I saw a tiny ant carrying a rather large portion of a potato chip. What a picture of determination and dedication!

Emulate the Ants
"and be wise,..."

1. The Ways of Ants

Each ant has a job assignment. They each have a role to play. Consequently, they know their role and they complete the tasks associated with their purpose.

2. The Workmanship of Ants

Ants store supplies for the future and they harvest when food is available. The ants do what is necessary to adapt to their environment. Their complex nests are designed to be productive. They work around barriers and, at times, include these barriers in their homes. Humans can learn a lot from them about overcoming obstacles.

3. The Wisdom of Ants

I could summarize some of the lessons we can learn from ants in a few statements.

• Be Dependable.
• Take Initiative.
• Be Prepared.
• Work Hard.
• Do Not Procrastinate.

CONCLUSION

As we begin a new church year, many folks are assuming new positions or renewing their commitment to serve the Lord through our church. If you are, join me in committing to be faithful to the Lord. Like an ant, be dependable. Take Initiative. Be Prepared. Work Hard. God deserves our best.