Consider the Ant

Although I do not suggest we look too closely, the ant is a creature from which God says we can learn. "The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." (Proverbs 30:25, KJV). These diligent tiny ones are ever busy and with purpose: "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." (Proverbs 6:6-8, KJV). It's easy to see a parallel between the gardener who plants, tends, waters, gathers and stores meats, vegetables and fruits during the warmer days for the colder months. Oh, but there's a greater and deeper lesson here: there are too many who neither plan nor prepare for life beyond death. How easy but foolish it is to live here without any thought of where or how we will spend eternity! The wicked Roman Emperor Hadrian said, "no more crown for this head, no more beauty for these eyes, no more music for these ears, and no more food for this stomach of mine. But my soul, oh, my soul, what is to become of you?" The oft neglected truth is: every soul will have an eternal home. "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). Those who have made no preparation for that day, the judgment will be swift, just and [yes] terrible. Those, however, who belong to God (saved by grace through faith in Jesus) will stand in The Righteousness of Christ and enjoy joys in eternity we cannot even imagine. The wise think of their tomorrow today ... consider the ant.