Devotions/Partners

Proverbs 6:6-8 (KJV): “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which, having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”

COMMENTARY: Ants are annoying pests, but God created them and in the book of Proverbs, the ant is an example of wisdom at work. For example, ants are very industrious, whether they are working alone or together. They create amazing underground homes with different chambers that are used for nurseries, food storage, living rooms and bedrooms. They are extremely alert: their eyes are incredibly astute at observing movement, and their antennae can smell, touch, taste, and hear. They communicate with each other very effectively by touching one another’s antennae.

APPLICATION:  In many workplaces, employees depend on external motivation instead of internal motivation. They wait for those in authority to tell them what to do, instead of taking the initiative to do what they know should, could and must be done. In the same way that God blesses the ant’s industriousness, God will bless your industriousness.

How self-motivated are you today? You have a job to do, just do it. Do not slack off when your boss is not looking; keep working, like the ant. Do not wait for your boss to push you; keep working like the ant. If you are bored, take the initiative like the ant.

Christian workers should be the most self-disciplined, self-motivated, industrious and innovative workers in the world. The word “boredom” should not exist in your vocabulary.

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Ecclesiastes 10:1 (KJV)，read There is No Way to Know What Comes Afterwards (Eccl 9:1-11:6) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.