Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! — PROVERBS 6:6
Ants are intriguing. They are busy, they can carry incredible weight for their size, and they work well in community. It can be fascinating to watch them work.
Every once in a while, I hear someone say, “I love work; I could watch it all day.” We smile at that because we understand we were not created just to watch work. God created us to do things—and we can’t just narrow that down to having a job or career, or to pursuing hobbies, sports, or other interests. While all these things can be good, we can misuse them if our focus shifts away from God. God’s intent is for us to use all the resources he has given us in order to serve Him and honor Him with our whole lives.
We were created to be people who can contribute something by playing a role in community. Laziness or lack of involvement without reason just do not fit with what God has in mind. And when we don’t fit with what God has in mind, we lose something of what God intends us to be.
Our God is a worker. He created the universe, and through His Son the Lord is working to make all things new. We reflect God’s image as we use our hands and minds to answer God’s calling and do whatever our health and strength allow.
Thank God today for the work you can do.
Think and pray:
Proverbs warns us not to be like the sluggard, but to consider the ant.
Lord, sometimes we complain about the work we have to do, and sometimes we need rest. Help us to consider the ant and to honor You in all we do. Amen.
Henry Kranenburg was ordained as a Minister of the Word in 1987 and began his ministry in Brockville, Ontario. In 2000, he and Marnie and their four children moved to Hamilton where he served Immanuel CRC for the next 16.5 years. He began his ministry at West End in March 2017. His ministry focuses on preaching, pastoral care, and staff leadership.
