Preparing Ahead

By learning from the diligence of ants, Preparing Ahead challenges us to take initiative and steward today’s resources with wisdom for tomorrow.

“Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.”—Proverbs 6:6–8 ESV

Solomon found inspiration by observing ants … creatures that, through God’s design, are not wasteful, but practical and prudent. They plan and prepare ahead. After a harvest, they gather their provisions and invest in their future. They do this on their own initiative, without being forced to act, for they have “no chief, officer, or ruler.”

In contrast, some people are sluggards. They’re lazy and don’t act unless forced to do so.

Proverbs tells us that these sluggards are wasteful, dominated by cravings and eager to consume their resources without thinking of future impact. Because they don’t plow their fields or sow seeds when they have opportunity, they don’t reap at harvest time. Their fields become covered with thorns and nettles. Lacking diligence, discipline, and planning, they allow unproductive and harmful things to flourish in their lives. Because of their lack of effort, they are fearful and worried, unable to see past their immediate circumstances. Yet such people often are arrogant and critical.

If you’re wise, you will heed Solomon’s counsel. Have you been responsible or foolish with the resources God has given you? Do you only act when forced by circumstances?

Learn from the ants. Don’t sit by idly, doing nothing. Take the initiative now and don’t wait. Sow seeds into your future with the resources you have today. Seek God’s wisdom. Take action, and diligently prepare ahead.

Reflection Question: Where is God calling you to take initiative and prepare today?