Overcoming Laziness
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.
How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.
Proverbs 6:6-11
Have you ever watched an ant colony in action? Probably not. Usually, we're too busy trying to get them off of our sidewalk or (if you live on an island) out of our homes! We rarely notice their work ethic. Yet, this Proverb highlights their diligence out of any other insect.
Maybe you've made the excuse, "I'm just a low energy person". Have you failed to get the things set before you done? Do you find that you give in to that temptation often to "do it tomorrow"? Are there things lying around your house that you said you would tackle weeks ago? Procrastination and laziness is a dangerous trap. As it says in the proverb, before you realize it, by giving into it often it opens up the possibility for poverty and scarcity to come.
There is a quote that says it like this, "Procrastination is the arrogant assumption that God owes you another chance to do tomorrow what he gave you the chance to do today."
I believe that God has a time sensitivity to the things He instructs us to do. Often our temptation is to not get busy immediately with working on it because we think we have all the time in the world.
In a day of automated everything, we must be very careful not to let our laziness rob us of reward.
The ant, however, keeps in step with the times and seasons. When it is time to gather, it is busy at work to bring in the harvest. It stores up provision in the summer so that it keeps warm and comfortable during the winter. Look to the ant and her industry, look at how she uses her time.
Lessons from the Ant:
1. Ant's are diligent and hardworking.
If you watch a colony, you will quickly notice that they are on the move. Ants teach us the value of diligence and hard work. Laziness does nothing but encourage us to procrastinate and remain in a state of lack and apathy. Ants are never lazy! Neither are they poor nor hungry! Their efforts and hard work sustains them! If we strive to be diligent and work hard, our lives will be blessed physically, spiritually and financially!
2. Can do attitude.
Did you know that a single ant can lift up to 50 times it's bodyweight? They have super-insect strength and exemplify what it means to be self-motivated. Size, lack and location are not limiting factors for them. They make no excuses and continue with the business of getting things done.
Talk about confronting any limiting beliefs! They are unstoppable when it comes to getting to the task at hand.
3. Excellent strategic planning, precision and organization skills.
Ants teach us the necessity to plan and look ahead. They store their food during seasons of plenty, so that they will have adequate amounts in times of scarcity. They also plan seasons of work and of rest to prevent burnout.
4. Teamwork and unity.
Isn't it amazing that the ants work together to accomplish their goal. Ants know that in order to achieve what they need to get done, they are better together than by working alone. They work for the common good. They do not need a captain, cheerleader, or leader because they are disciplined. They do their part to fulfill the bigger vision.
After reading this blog, the ant may just become your new favorite creature!
Until next time,
