Ants in hot climates store food for the entire year. They have certain specific principles. The ants of Europe are unaware of those principles. According to Dr. Darwin, ants that are found on the farms of Texas (USA) have very similar characteristics to the ants of the Middle East. They both store their food, of course. But unlike their European counterparts, they also clear the land from unnecessary plants and weeds, as well as plant and prepare the land for sowing and harvest. A type of grass grows in the fields from which they secure milk for their babies.
There are two prominent types of ants found in Palestine and Cambodia; the black and the brown. Both these types are also found in the Indian sub-Continent. These ants store enough food in the summer so it can be used in the winter season. Such ants are found on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. But these ants are nonexistent in the northern climates.
Modern researchers have discovered different types of ants according to their activities:
There are some engineers among these ants; they build tunnels and perform complicated construction works.
Some are babysitters; their duty is to guard the baby ants and supply them with food.
Some are farmer ants; they work the ground.
The brown warrior ants often attack the tribes of black ants and make them slaves.
In the insect world, the ant is the smallest and most unimportant insect.
-It has no strength and value.
-Sometimes human beings consciously or unconsciously crush them under their feet.
King Solomon has given us a very beautiful picture about ants in the book of Proverbs. There the ant is twice mentioned. Many other writers appreciate the ant because of her “future vision.” The ant provides us with a very beautiful role model of hard work and looking unto the future.
Ants are very good teachers. We can learn many practical lessons from their lifestyle.
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
Proverbs 6: 6-8
In this passage of Scripture, three terms have been used;
Commander—Leader, judge. It also means one who makes decisions. This word has also been used of the heads or chiefs of warriors. Joshua 10:24
Overseer—One who supervises the work of a project or city. Similar words are:
Supervisor, official, slave driver, foreman. Exodus 5:6, 19
Ruler—One of highest position and authority. Also means Lord, Prince, ruler, and to govern.
Let us observe some of the attributes and characteristics of the ant;
-The ant takes initiative. She does not wait for anybody to tell her to work.
-She finds the job by herself.
–She is hard working. She is not a sluggard, or lazy.
-She does not live in the comfort zone.
It is written in the Word of God,
The sleep of a laborer is sweet.
Ecclesiastes 5:12
Diligent hands will rule.
Proverbs 12:24
But diligent hands bring wealth.
Proverb 10:4
In all institutions, professions and departments, only those who work hard are respected, move forward and make progress. These do not run away from hard work.
The ant does not depend on other ants. She does not wait for somebody else to come and work for her. As human beings many times we wait for someone else; we think… “oh someone else will do this work for me”. We must be careful with regard to such an attitude.
The ant is extremely wise.
Proverbs 3:24
She thinks about the future. She plans for the future. She looks unto the thing which will come. She looks at those circumstances and situations which will take place in the future.
She gathers her food at harvest
Proverbs 6:8
Physically, an ant is very small compare to an ox but mentally she is great. She understands that for the rough and ruthless circumstances, she must have stored food. She is careful about future circumstances; she prepares herself beforehand. We too must keep an eye on our future circumstances and must store our spiritual food in our hearts.
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than the daily bread
Job 23:12
Ants are resourceful and practical creatures. They work silently and with great determination. They do everything without complaining or arguing. Philippians 2:14.
They work more than their visible capability or capacity, able to carry 35 times more weight compared to their body. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.Philippians 4:13.
The ant may face extreme heat or adverse circumstances, and while looking at the unsuitable circumstances, the ant does not sit, neither does it fear nor wait but she keeps on working hard in order to achieve her goal. Yet she stores her provision in summer. Proverbs 6:8.
It‘s possible that you may have a hard time during your Christian life or ministry. Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Daniel (Daniel, Ch.3 & 6) all faced difficult circumstances (the furnace, and the lions). Elijah confronted the 450 prophets of Baal (1 Kings Ch.18). In the same fashion, Paul faced extreme opposition and negative circumstances (1 Corinthians 11:23-33). We will all face tough times.
The ant has the characteristics of being very determined and strong-willed.
Once upon a time, there was a king who lost the war and came home. Sitting in his garden, he was very upset about his defeat. He began to watch an ant that was climbing a wall, but it fell many times. The king watched the ant very closely. Even though it fell many times, it kept on trying. At last after several failures, the ant successfully climbed the wall. The king was astonished to see how this tiny insect made it.
He thought,
if this weak insect has been successful because of her great determination and consistency, why can’t I achieve the victory? He rose up, gathered his army and fought against his enemy with greater determination. With courage, and filled with much hope he won!
Never be lacking in zeal
Romans 12:11
Ants work in unity, cooperation and partnership. Although every ant works very hard and with full concentration, the secret of her survival is hidden in “living together with other ants.” An ant can be extremely hard working but she cannot survive by herself.
In the same way, a believer may be very deeply committed and strong in the Lord but without the fellowship with other believers he can’t survive. God wants all believers to work together; they must be in unity and same mindedness.
Finally, all of you live in harmony, with one another. Be sympathetic, love as brothers, and be compassionate and humble
1 Peter 3:8
It is very basic and essential that we are always ready to cooperate with other believers. Occasionally it means that one must be ready to accept the lower position.
I will give them singleness of heart and action.
Jeremiah 32:39
One heart and mouth.
Romans 15:6
All of you agree with one another.
You may be perfectly united in mind and thought.
1 Corinthians 1:10
In the Word of God, the author used this extremely despised and weak creature to teach a very deep and practical lesson to man.
The ant takes initiative, she is hardworking, wise, practical, determined, strong, and bold, and above everything she works with mutual partnership and unity.
