Hard workers

As a country girl, I sometimes have the problem of ants invading our house. I’ve made a deal with those rascals, hard workers though they be. If the ants stay outside, they may live in peace, but if they enter the house, I go on the warpath.

Hard workers

An article by Iowa Sate University lists these positive characteristics of ants:

  • Trustworthy
  • Thrifty
  • Loyal
  • Brave
  • Industrious
  • Beneficial to the Ecosystem
  • Devoted to their colony

Wouldn’t we like our family, friends, and coworkers to have those traits? How about us?

Although I greatly resent when these tiny creatures sneak into my house, I can’t help but admire their hard work ethic. They know their purpose and when they set out to achieve their mission they are tenacious and determined.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, not for human masters. (Colossians 3:23)

We are created to be Hard workers

Just as God created ants with a hard work ethic, He also made us to work–workers for our Lord.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. (Romans 12:11)

Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives. (Titus 3:14)

Our Father guides our work if we trust in Him

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (Proverbs 16:3)

Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Hard workers are blessed for their labors

Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. (Psalm 128:1-2)

Our Father blesses us in our work for Him. I’m so thankful for all who are participating in service to assist those who’ve been in the dangerous path of recent hurricanes–you have those amazing qualities of hard working ants. Our front line laborers, those sending money, food, and supplies, and all who continue to pray–thank you!

22 Comments

  1. Love this walk through scripture💛. May it work hard on our hearts so that we may work hard in grateful return. Thank you Katherine!

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Thank you, Kristy. I’m so grateful for your encouragement. I join you in your prayer–may God work on our hearts so we may work for Him. We are so blessed!

  2. God often teaches us lessons from nature. Ants can give us examples of hard work and community. I’ll leave them outside too. Their sting can hurt! Thanks for sharing these Scriptures about our diligent efforts.

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Ants have so many good qualities to admire. I just wish they could be convinced not to enter houses. Wishing you joy and blessings, Barbara.

  3. Thanks for the critter reminder, Katherine.
    I read somewhere to sprinkle coffee grounds around the foundation of a house to keep ants out. I tried it after a few visited and haven’t seen any since. I repeat the process once or twice a year.

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      That sounds like a great idea, Diana. I’m not a coffee drinker, but maybe I could borrow some? Praying God will continue to bless your ministry.

  4. What a great message to start the day! I love how God teaches us through nature and many other ways. We’ve been learning a lot from the moles that were ruining our yard We think the problem is fixed. God taught me to pray for the little things as well as the big things. 🙂 Have a blessed week! 🙂

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      I agree, Melissa, it’s important to pray in all things. I’m glad you found something that worked for the mole problem. We’ve tried lots of remedies, but nothing worked very well. Next time I see you, I’ll ask your secret. Hope your week is blessed as well. Mine is going great so far!

  5. I love the verses the you picked, Katherine. In our neck of the woods, we have fire ants. As soon as we treat one mound, they tunnel out 20 feet away and build another mound. I admire their tenacity!

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Ouch! Fire ants! I’m glad we don’t have those, but like you, Priscilla, I admire the tenacity of those little critters. Thank you for stopping by and sharing encouragement.

  6. Many years ago, a Sunday School teacher asked each of us in the class to write our own personal mission statement. Mine included Colossians 3:23. God is watching even when our supervisors are not. I hope to give Him my best!

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      What a great lesson for young folks, writing their mission statement. You were already working for the Lord. Thank you, LuAnn.

  7. I’m with you, Katherine. I admire their good traits, but please don’t live in my house! I find it interesting that Proverbs 6 and 30 commend the ants too. Enjoyed your lesson from them.

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      I guess scripture selected ants for a reason to describe their positive qualities. We learn a lot from the lessons we learn from nature. God had the Master Plan for creation and every creature was created for a purpose. A great reminder for us to continue to seek and fulfill our purpose. Thank you, Debbie, for sharing your thoughts.

  8. God does call us to be hard workers, and it’s wonderful to see how He blesses our efforts! thanks for your insights!

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Thank you for your kind encouragement, Kathy. I’m thankful our God guides our efforts and lifts us up when we stumble. Wishing you a blessed week!

  9. God made us with purpose. Our lives have meaning. That meaning is innate as people created in His image. For most of us, His purpose–many of the purposes–He’s assigned to us require our work. An important message. God bless, Katherine!

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Thank you, Nancy. You are a wonderful role model for us as a worker for God’s kingdom. I pray God continues to bless you in His service.

  10. Yvonne Morgan says:

    They are fascinating creatures but like you, I want them to stay outside. I do wish I had some of the good traits of the ants, especially the hard working ones. They do things that seem impossible because of their size. I want my faith to be like that.

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      I’m so glad you shared your thoughts, Yvonne. I’d like to have those good traits of the ant, too. But not the “pesky” characteristics of going where we’re not wanted or needed. I’d love to have the persistence, cooperative personality, and the hard work ethic of an ant. Hope your week is full of joy, sunshine, and happiness (and no ants in the house!)

  11. Katherine, thanks for sharing your insights on the ant’s work ethic. I love how God’s creation can teach us so much.

    1. Katherine Pasour says:

      Thank you for stopping by, Sandy. Our loving Father created a beautiful home for us on Earth and shares so many lessons through nature. We are so blessed!

Comments are closed.