Scripture:
Proverbs 6:6-11 Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.
Observation:
The writer encourages us to consider the ant. The ant, without anyone looking over his shoulder, does what is supposed to be done with the maximum amount of effort and consistency. The result of laziness is poverty and lack. Laziness leaves you vulnerable to loss of all you have. Sleep is necessary for rest but every minute of unnecessary sleep is a minute that could be allotted to accomplishing important tasks and fulfilling mission.
Application:
An ant has a plan. They have a goal. They know what needs to be done and they work hard to accomplish it. In my life in ministry I have transitioned from entry level to mid level to senior leadership in the last 17 years. The greatest challenge as I have transitioned is going from following a plan from someone else to developing my own plan and living it out. What the ant has is the maturity to plan and accomplish the plan without supervision.
A few things…
– Approach each day with a detailed plan and schedule.
-Even in the days when there isn’t anyone over my shoulder remember that God is watching. He is the one I am doing this for anyway.
-Rest when it’s time to rest. Work when it’s time to work.
Prayer:
Father, I want to do what you tell me to do. I want to honor you with what I accomplish and the work ethic demonstrate in accomplishing the goals. Help me always remember you are my supervisor, my master, my Lord. I am your servant. Help me rest.