“Doth not even nature itself teach you?”
1 Corinthians 11:14
“There be . . . 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.” Proverbs 30:24–25). Many “little things, so common around us, teach the lesson that nothing is beneath the notice of the infinite God, nothing is too small for His attention.” –Healthful Living, p. 294
Ants live in highly organized societies called colonies; their family numbers some 11,000 species, and they are among the smallest and wisest creatures on earth (Proverbs 30:24–28).
According to scientific classification, ants belong to an order of insects called Hymenoptera, and they play a tremendous role in the ecosystem of our planet. These tiny creatures are also known for their ability to convey practical instruction. “The ants teach lessons of patient industry, of perseverance in surmounting obstacles, of providence for the future.” –Child Guidance, p. 58
Solomon, the wisest monarch of all time (1 Kings 4:29–34), calls our attention to the small things of the earth: he said, “Go to the ant; . . . consider her ways, and be wise.” Proverbs 6:6. Please join me on a visit to an ant colony in an attempt to learn a bit of their proverbial activities and wisdom.
Unity and Order
Our God is a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:40), and all His creatures from the tiny ants to the giant galaxies reveal how orderly He is in all His ways. “Order is heaven’s first law” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 201), and it seems to be also the first law of the ant colonies. Outstanding models of administration, ants labour in a manner which is really marvelous. Ant colonies vary from a few members to many millions of members, called super colonies. The members of an ant colony fall into categories known as castes, each with a different role such as searching for food, nursing the young, and defending the colony against predators.
The queen distinguishes herself from the regular ants (the workers) by birth: born with wings, they have a larger body than the worker ants and are the only females of the colony capable of mating. Although each ant plays a distinct role, all harmoniously cooperate with one another to realize a perfect teamwork for the wellbeing of their colony. How spectacular it is to see these tiny creatures so well organized as to self-manage their million-member societies! “The industrious bee gives to men of intelligence an example that they would do well to imitate. These insects observe perfect order, and no idler is allowed in the hive. They execute their appointed work with an intelligence and activity that are beyond our comprehension” –Child Guidance, p. 59
Industry
It is known that the members of an ant colony are workers. They were just born to work and they live performing the task for which they were created. Ants play crucial roles in their ecosystems. They recycle organic matter, they turn the soil by moving organic matter and soil nutrients, they reduce insect populations, they serve as food for other animals, they disperse seeds, and they sometimes pollinate flowers. Most species dig underground nests that have numerous openings and tunnels. Air and water pass into the soil through these passageways, making oxygen and moisture available to the roots of plants. The Word of God admonishes us thus: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11. “Solomon presents to the world the industry of the ant as a reproach to those who waste their hours in sinful idleness, in practices which corrupt soul and body.” –The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 1157
Faithfulness
“The wise man calls our attention to the small things of the earth: ‘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.’ ‘The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer.’ [Proverbs 6:6–8; 30:25]. We may learn from these little teachers a lesson of faithfulness. Should we improve with the same diligence the faculties which an all-wise Creator has bestowed upon us, how greatly would our capacities for usefulness be increased. God’s eye is upon the smallest of His creatures; does He not, then, regard man formed in His image, and require of him corresponding returns for all the advantages He has given him?” –Child Guidance, p. 59. The Bible enjoins us, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much” (Luke 16:10). When a task is entrusted to us, let us faithfully execute it just as the faithful ants carry out their activities.
Perseverance
“The habitations that the ants build for themselves show wonderful skill and perseverance. Only one little grain at a time can they handle, but by diligence and perseverance they accomplish wonders.” –The Youth’s Instructor, September 14, 1899. Like the ants, we have also to build, and our buildings could well last forever if we diligently add to our character building grace upon grace: “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” 2 Peter 1:5–10
Provision
In a previous article “Are you prepared?” (see November 2016 issue of The Reformation Messenger), we showed how the most perilous times are just upon us. We need to be prepared surely. “The ant prepares for future seasons. This is a lesson which many gifted with reasoning powers disregard. They fail entirely to prepare for the future immortal life which God has in His providence secured for the fallen race.” –The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 1157
The Holy Writ says, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, that he shall make him ruler over all his goods.” Matthew 24:44–47
“DoTH not even nature itself teach you?”
Order, industry, perseverance, faithfulness and provision are needed more now than ever before. “The ants teach lessons of patient industry, of perseverance in surmounting obstacles, of providence for the future. And the birds are teachers of the sweet lesson of trust. Our heavenly Father provides for them; but they must gather the food, they must build their nests and rear their young. Every moment they are exposed to enemies that seek to destroy them. Yet how cheerily they go about their work! How full of joy are their little songs!” –Child Guidance, p. 58
If we do not wish Satan to defeat us, then it is essential to: watch, pray, and work. Prayer and watchfulness are necessary to be able to grow in godliness. Never in your life was that time more important than it is now. You can only feel safe if you are constantly watching, praying, and working. These three characteristics alone can protect you from the snares of Satan. “But all the work we do that is necessary to be done, be it washing dishes, setting tables, waiting upon the sick, cooking, or washing, is of moral importance; and until you can cheerfully and happily take up these duties you are not fitted for greater and higher duties. The humble tasks before us are to be taken up by someone; and those who do them should feel that they are doing a necessary and honorable work, and that in their mission, humble though it may be, they are doing the work of God just as surely as was Gabriel when sent to the prophets. All are working in their order in their respective spheres.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 79
May the Lord grant that this genuine lesson be in our hearts. Amen
Victor Shumbusho