Ants are amazingly complex creatures called “superorganisms.” Ant colonies have no centralized leadership, yet every colony has a complex system of communication, food management, brood care (think nursery for baby ants), labor roles, and even waste management. Ants are so busy it appears that they never sleep. They actually do, just not in the same way humans do. The average ant will take approximately 250 one-minute-long naps during each 24-hour period. When an ant is not napping it is working. In Proverbs 6 the Teacher encourages us to consider the ways of the ant and be wise. The point is, ants don’t need constant supervision to work hard. They work hard because hard work is their nature. Hard work is a matter of character, not compulsion. The wisdom of God moves us toward responsibility without external pressure. One other thought. Rest is not laziness. We all need to rest. Scripture affirms our need for a Sabbath. The Teacher is warning us against neglect or avoidance of duties. If you have a task to do work at it with all your heart. The Apostle Paul says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).

1. Do you avoid tasks you know you should be doing? Why?

2. Make a list below of tasks you would like to accomplish and revisit this list over the next week. As you accomplish each task mark it off the list. Remember, “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”