Have you learned from the ant?

I just got off the phone with a relative who is in a financial predicament. It could have been prevented if they had only “considered the ways of the ant” and saved some of their income.

The Bible encourages preparing for the future. Proverbs 21:20 says, “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.”

Of course, saving for ourselves must be kept in balance. Yes, God “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment,” we are told in 1 Timothy 6, but we’re reminded of that provision in the context of being generous toward others. Furthermore, in James, we’re warned against presuming on the future. That provides yet another needed balance to our savings efforts.

But save we should. In fact, the Bible encourages us to save by pointing us to the most humble of insects, the ant. Proverbs 6:6-8 says, “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”

Hmm. Have you and I considered the ways of the ant? Before you flick a pesky ant off your picnic table, at least stop to admire his preparation and determination in providing for the future. He just might be doing a better job than we are.