Spirit-Filled Worker Series – Lesson 1

Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Spirit-Filled Worker.”

Spirit-Filled Worker Series – Lesson 1

Lessons from the Ant -Part 1 (Proverbs 30:24-25)

Proverbs 30:24-25, “There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer...”

We can look at the ant as an example of how we are to live. Ants enjoy working and when they work, they work hard. They have some amazing habits. They will spend hours clearing their surroundings of leaves and plants. They have houses, towns, public roads, etc. Regardless of how far they are wander from their home they never seem to get lost.

Ants are industrious and are used to rebuke the sluggard (Proverbs 6:6) because of their industriousness. God called the ant exceeding wise because they gather and prepare their food in the harvest. Ants are located all over the world. Although the ant has no leader or supervisor, they nonetheless, are disciplined to provide their meat in the summer and gather their food in the harvest. Ants work tirelessly and store their food in the summer, when it is available. Ants rebuke all who let disadvantages and difficulties keep them from achieving in life. Ants are small creatures, but they have the wisdom to prepare for the future and to that degree are wise creatures.

The Bible speaks of four creatures to illustrate the practical wisdom that leads to success in life and business. Large physical stature, strength, and resources are not required for great achievements. The small and weak can be successful when they exercise great diligence, savvy, and skill. God illustrates this principle through these four amazing creatures. Tiny, industrious ants are diligent in preparing for the future. Ants have the God-given foresight to survive and to prepare for winter by laying up food during the summer. God has given them the insight to take the long look and discipline to prepare for the future. What an illustration of wisdom! They plan ahead for times when they will have less food. It would be wise for us to be the same way. Just like the ant, the diligent person is self-motivated. He makes full use of his opportunities at hand and his time. We should not waste our time but work diligently at whatever task we are given.

The Lord uses the animal kingdom to drive home the lessons of wisdom (Proverbs 1:17; 6:5-8). He selects some of the weakest, most insignificant and vulnerable creatures to show how they overcome their limitations and are thus lessons to us in wisdom, for they succeed where many of us fail. The secret to their strength is their unity in that the ants are a collective unit. They work together as one to accomplish what they are too small to do individually. If we wish to be successful in life, we, like the ant, must have foresight (plan ahead), be disciplined, unified (work with others), and work tirelessly to accomplish our tasks. Preparation is an important part of being able to handle the hardships that come in the future. Ants prepare for the hardships of the winter by their diligent work and saving for the winter months. In the same manner, making financial preparations will help you to manage future needs. This may involve saving, looking for bargains now, getting education or training to get a better job. It may also involve the purchase of an insurance policy to protect your family in the event of your death. Prepare yourself. So, you can be prepared. Learn from the ant.

The Word of God rebukes the slothful for sleeping at harvest when they should be working (Proverbs 20:4, 13). This proverb serves as a wakeup call against the dangers of laziness. Socially, laziness is becoming progressively more acceptable. God’s Word teaches us that laziness ultimately leads to destruction. Their preparation should be a lesson to teach us that weakness is no excuse for laziness or procrastination. Everyone should make preparation for eternity by receiving Jesus Christ as their Saviour and living a life that is pleasing to Him. Be prepared, especially when it comes to the matter of your soul. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and put your faith in Him to take you to Heaven when you die someday, you are not prepared for eternity. He is the only way to Heaven. Put your faith in Him today. Be prepared!

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the opportunity to provide for my family. May my work ethic be just and diligent as I give myself to these responsibilities. At the end of the day, may I look back with joy and pleasure with the expectation of hearing You say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

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Thank you for reading Lesson 1 of Spirit-Filled Worker Series. Please visit this website tomorrow for Lesson 2 of Spirit-Filled Worker Series.