As Industrious as Ants - Martin Wiles

Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Proverbs 6:6 NLT

Although only a block away, my son refused to walk to it.

The year my son began high school, we moved to a rented home just across the street from the school. All he had to do was walk out the front door, cross the road, and immediately be on the school grounds. I thought, This will be convenient. I didn’t know my son as well as I thought.

He’s a hard worker now but wasn’t the most industrious person then. He didn’t care to walk. “I’d rather ride the bus,” he said. And he did.

Instead of walking a block, he boarded the bus at six a.m. Neither did he care to walk home. He rode the bus again and did not get home until five p.m. In my mind, this was the epitome of laziness. Why would one want to be gone from the house for eleven hours when it only had to be seven? Had he walked home, he could have had his homework completed earlier. And had he walked to school, he could have slept for another hour. Perhaps he was trying to make some unknown teenage point to me.

I’ve never observed a lazy ant. I wouldn’t have to spend untold dollars on ant poison if they were. Ants are continually working, gathering food, and building mounds.

My parents weren’t lazy and forbade me to be. From an early age, they assigned me chores. As a result, I became an industrious adult and passed along the same lessons to my two children—although it took a little longer to stick in at least one of them.

As my son fondly says, “Dad, I tried so hard not to be like you, but it happened anyway.” I just smile.

But God’s work has no room for laziness. Jesus says the harvest is plentiful. Millions need to hear about Jesus and see his love demonstrated through acts of service. God has given us the task and ability to change the world—actually, turning it upside down by permeating it with God’s kind of love. Time is slipping away, the needs are urgent, and laziness won’t accomplish the task. Don’t take the bus if God’s work for you is just across the road. Walk the block.

What are some ways you can be as industrious as ants?

Father, give me the desire to be eager to do your Kingdom’s work. 

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Mouse Play - Martin Wiles

Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Matthew 24:46 NKJV

“When the cat’s away, the mice will play.” I was . . . and they did—mouse play, that is.

I suppose students haven’t changed much over the years when it comes to substitute teachers. The practice has always been to see how much they can get away with and to do things they wouldn’t think of doing if the teacher were present.

At one school where I taught, we didn’t overlook such behavior, nor did we tolerate it without consequence. One day, I missed the first three periods of the day because I had an eye appointment. When I arrived at school, the sub met me with news I didn’t want to hear—but news that didn’t surprise me. The first period class refused to listen to her when she told them to remain quiet and do their work. In fact, their noise level rose so much that a teacher in an adjoining room had to step in to reprimand them.

The students later regretted their actions. I checked with the lead teacher, and we agreed on a plan of action. The class served a class-wide lunch detention and wrote “I will listen to the substitute when the teacher is absent” repeatedly.  

Jesus told a story about servants who also acted up while their master was away. The master rewarded the faithful ones who did their jobs while he was away, but he punished those who misbehaved. Unfortunately, the innocent often must pay for the bad behavior of the few, as with students.

In Jesus’ story, He was the master, and the servants were believers. What He expects of us while we await His second coming—or our death—is faithfulness to His commands and the work He has left for us to do.

When we waste our lives on vain pursuits that benefit only us, we miss God’s blessings and invite His discipline. But it’s more than an obedience/discipline thing. We should obey God out of love and appreciation, not just fear. Life at its best comes when we obey because we love God and want to show His love to others in practical ways.

Messing around while the master is away sets a bad example and fosters an attitude of laziness that can become a lifestyle. Ingenuity and diligence let us enjoy life as God intends.

Don’t get involved in mouse play. Live each day as if Jesus is returning. After all, He just might.

Prayer: Father, may we be faithful to Your work as we await Your Son’s return. 

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Fit for the Work - Martin Wiles

But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 NLT

The scales reflected numbers I didn’t appreciate. It was time for a change.

All my life, I had wanted to gain weight, but nothing worked. Then I hit the magic mark where gaining weight came easier than I desired. No longer could I eat anything in sight in whatever quantity I desired. When finding my waist size and inseam became difficult, I decided to act.

My wife once belonged to Weight Watchers and knew the point system. I told her how much I needed to lose, and she did the math. For three months, I stuck to the plan and watched as the pounds slowly evaporated. Then I switched to My Fitness Pal and counted calories. The pounds came off quicker, but still slower than I liked.

Finally, after six months, I stepped onto the scales and observed the number I’d been reaching for. I stood sideways and looked in the mirror and no longer saw the bulge hanging over my belt. I felt better, looked better, and believed I was healthier.

But I couldn’t let myself go and once again eat anything I wanted. To maintain my weight, I’d have to watch my calories from now until I died—and exercise several times a week. Not something I enjoy but necessary to maintain fitness.

According to Jesus, His kingdom work requires fit people. Anyone who puts his plow to the work of the Kingdom—but then looks back at worldly attachments—isn’t fit for Kingdom work.

I once heard a true saying: “If you want something done, find a busy person.” I found it to be true. A busy person is often in shape also. Both seem to run hand in hand. The nature of God’s work—to impact the world with the message of Jesus’ love—requires good shape: emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Most of all, spiritually.

Jesus instructs His followers to do His work while it’s day because the night approaches quickly. Time is short—and will end. Neglecting His work means thousands will die daily without having a chance to believe in Him and claim heaven as their eternal home. When I’m in good spiritual shape, I’ll look for ways to stem this tide.

No one person can do it all, but together we can fit ourselves to touch people with Jesus’ love. Think of one way you can join the fitness program.

Tweetable: Are you fit for God's work? 

Prayer: Father, motivate us to share Your love with a world that needs to hear and experience Your love.

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