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REFLECTION

Consider the ant, is the theme for our reflection. To consider something means to think carefully or look attentively at the thing. An ant is a small insect typically having a sting and living in a complex social colony with one or more breeding queens.

The theme for our reflection invites us to reflect on the unique qualities of the ant. The ant is a symbol of discipline, hard work, endurance, perseverance and dedication. Many people desire to be great achievers and also dream to be prosperous but achievement and prosperity do not come by being idle. God has blessed humanity with the limitless creativity of the mind and the versatility of the body.

To live an impactful life and be prosperous, we are being challenged to consider the ant, “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.” (Proverbs 6:8-11). People idle when they habitually lie down, sleep, slumber, and fold their hands to rest. Some of the ways some people idle in our generation are being on social media for the most part of the day watching pictures, videos and reading comments, watching telenovelas and spending a substantial time chatting on social media platforms. It is true that we have myriads of unemployed youth out there but let us remember that in summer when the sun is scorching, the ants prepare bread and during harvest season, the ant goes around to gather food from residues that have fallen on the ground during the process of harvesting by the farmers. The ant’s effort can be described as hustling. Whether you are unemployed, employed or self-employed life remains a hustle. Sitting down idle, folding the arms and sleeping are signs of failure and recipes for poverty. The Lord blesses our hustles in life only if we are focused and determined to be good stewards of the body. Had the disciples not gone fishing they would not have experienced the miracle of catching large fish when Jesus said to them “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.” (John 21:6). Let us remember that as we hustle for food, money and wealth creation, God must remain at the centre of our lives. It is for this reason Jesus admonished us that “… do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:31-34) In other words, hustle by all means and work hard but do be anxious about the ephemeral things of this world for your life is in the hands of God, our provider, who is our salvation. Let us seek Him first even as we hustle, for all the prosperity and achievements we yearn for shall be added to our hard work. Shalom.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, enable us to overcome idleness by being good stewards of our bodies. Like the ant, enable us to use our bodies for greater works which will lead to great achievements and our prosperity to the glory of the Lord. Amen