THE SECRET LIFE OF AN ANT

THE SECRET LIFE OF AN ANT, is one of the most fascinating things one can ever imagine. They are one of the most intriguing and mind expanding specimens God has created. Solomon cautions us to take heed in Proverbs 6:6 "Go to the ant, you sluggard;consider its ways and be wise! 7 It has no commander,no overseer or ruler, 8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest." He also talks about them in Prov 30:25 "Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;" It's been said, ants rule the world. Though they are insects, we think of them as minute pests. We shudder with anxiety and disgust, because of them, whenever we're at a picnic or church fellowship. Or when we remember we left a sugary item on the kitchen counter. Yet, what is it that elevates the ant to cover the entire world and get the job done? Well, I'm so glad you asked. Oh, by the way. Sorry for my delayed blog. I've been extremely busy. Just haven't had time. I wanted to blog about our founder, but I felt I would do that a different time. So what are some qualities of ants?

1. They are relentless.
Every summer, I have a battle. I do warfare. I walk very softly and gingerly, ready to attack at every noise, or whim of movement. I am a warrior. I run and get my weapons out. Okay. My fight is in my kitchen. And it is with those pesky ants. My weapon is a can of Raid. Those little critters do not respect me. They have total disregard for my dwellingplace. Many times I have gotten very angry for their evil habits. Habits of getting into my donuts or sweets, that is . . Why, those insects have even gotten into my food in my Frig?!! And gotten frozen in the process. They are relentless. In other words, they don't know the word, STOP! They have selective hearing. Is that how we should be in terms of the gospel and cutting edge ministry? We must keep on going. Think about it. Remember, Solomon told us to.

2. They are hard workers.
Ants carry more than their own weight. You see them hard at work wherever you go. In the yard, at your company, at a park, outside your house, and even in our kitchens. They work hard. For the life of me, I cannot even tell if there's even one complainer in the whole bunch. They work hard. There is no success without sweat. You may be experiencing a season where you are shedding blood, sweat and tears. Hey, God has a blessing for you. Hang in there. The blessing is right around the corner. He will see you through.

3. They work for a common cause.
They have a vision. Their vision is to prepare for winter, where it'll be so cold they cannot stand up on their skinny legs. So they go work underground instead. They provide for their group and ant society. In other words, ants work for the greater good. They're involved in public service of their colonies. What about you? Do you strive to excel your local church colony team? Ants do. They work for a common cause.

4. They know their role in their circle of life.
The thing about ants, is that there are probably about 20,000 species of ants. There's foraging ants. Scout ants. There's army Fire ants. There's the plain ol' house ants. In other words, they all know their role. Those fire ants have been known to kill cattle and people. Even in Africa, they tear or eat their way through villages and towns. They march on successfully, because they know their role. What about you? Do you even know why you were born? What your role on the team in your church ministry. What is your call? Are you even a participator? Or simply a spectator? To accomplish God's call for your life, you must find your purpose and function to the highest level of potential and capacity in your role. Start with finding your spiritual gifting. It is related to your call.

5. They plan for the future.
Everything ants do, is for the future. They are futuristic in their perspective. They realize it'll be a rainy day. That one day winter will come. Just as you and me. We must think about our future. The future of our churches and ministries, families and marriages. If you do not, who is going to do it for you? No one. The Bible says, 'Without a vision people perish. They cast off restraint." In other words they have no aim. They have no control. They have no discipline to get to where they see. Vision is such a catchy term nowadays. People use it as a slick cliche'. But, vision is seeing what others do not see. It is looking into the future. It is related to faith and our relationship with God. "Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God." Jesus said in Matt 5. Pure means uncontaminated. Means without divided allegiance. Because of purity, we'll have a vision of God. I think it was John Maxwell who said, 'We might live under the same sky. But we don't all have the same horizons." Where will you be 5 years from now? Think about it. Your life depends on it. Hope it's right where God wants you to be. Ants plan for the future.

6. They work as a team.
As a team they communicate. I've watched these little critters for a time, a big long line of them. I'll mess with the lead ants. Then watch what they do. I'll notice that very fast, the line gets disrupted all the way to the back. Its like if they're saying, "Hey, watch out! That jerk of a homeowner just messed with us! Let's attack him! Yeah! Let's go!" And I stand amazed and say, 'Man, who do these ants think they are!? these little whippersnappers! They even talk to each other!" We are stronger if we work as teams. Now that doesn't replace things you are called to do alone. Responsibilites you must do. Yet, to expand in ministry we need teamwork. The day of the one-man show is over! Ask Kobe Bryant about that. Its not until he learned to involve his teammates, that he began winning. If you are not used to being on a team, first watch. See where you can fit in for the greater good of the church. Hey, if these little creatures can do it. Then surely you can do it.

7. They're willing to go wherever the cause requires.
Philip Ward, entomologist at the University of California at Davis said, "Nearly all human languages have a word for ant," Ants can adapt to any weather except extremely cold weather. So today, what is missing? What is missing in American Christianity? What is missing is, the call to go anywhere and everywhere. The faith to move when God calls to do so. I'm not talking church hopping here, folks. I'm talking about genuine and legitimate reaching people for the Lord. Going to a place, as Abraham, and establish a work for God. Going on an extended mission trip. And, Oh', how I long to do so. How I long to have 1000 men and women of God, I could send into the foreign field and across the U.S. of A. along with the resources to do so.' Why, you ask? Well, to reach hurting people. To be an instrument of God's grace and glory. To heal broken hearts and shattered dreams.

Yep, Ants have alot to teach us. So next time you think you're it. Or imagine you're someone else. Or feeling a bit dreary, worn out, or down. Look to the floor. Spot a little critter, and (Before you get that Raid out) investigate its ways. Look at its patterns. Behold its teamwork. Highlight their movements. And when you do, May God love you. And tell you, "Son, Daughter, I'm with you. Stay small in your own eyes, and I'll raise you up for my glory and honor!"

What have you learned as being a part of a team. What has impacted you where you found purpose for your life?