Theme: PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Text: “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” – Proverbs 6:6-8.
Comment: Experts say that ants are remarkable creatures because of their foresight, industry, and economy. They collect their food at the proper seasons, in summer when their food is most plentiful. They bite off the ends of the grain to prevent it from germinating, and lay it up in cells till needed. They sleep during winter and wake for work from autumn. In the words of Matthew Henry when men have degenerated then they have to learn “wisdom from the meanest insects and be shamed by them”. He added “Thus provident we must be in our worldly affairs, … for straits and wants that may happen, and for old age; much more in the affairs of our souls.”
Unfortunately some while away time with idle talk when they should be working or keep postponing what they should do today. They are thereby wasting the opportunity to prepare for their future.
Their conduct is a bright example to men to learn to work when the opportunity affords itself. Our Saviour asserted that some would at the time of judgment want to make up for lost time, saying “We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets”. But he will tell them “I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity”. (Luke 13:25-27) The Bible says: “The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.” – Proverbs 20:4.