December 17
The Ant and
the Grasshopper
“Go to the ant, you lazy person! Watch how it works. See how wise it is! Though it has no leader, no overseer, or ruler, it prepares its food in the summer. It gathers its food during harvest time.”
Proverbs 6:6-8 NIrV
Gerrard slammed his fist on the kitchen table, the clatter echoing through the small apartment. "Man, this is ridiculous!" he grumbled, staring at the latest electricity bill. Another late payment notice. Another month living paycheck to paycheck. He sighed, the weight of his financial worries pressing down on him.
Gerrard was a good guy, a hard worker, but he just couldn't seem to get ahead. He lived for the moment, enjoying every extra dollar on takeout, nights out with friends, and the latest gadgets. Saving for the future? That seemed like a distant worry for someone else.
But lately, those worries had been creeping closer. What if he lost his job? What if something unexpected happened – a major car repair, a sudden medical emergency? The thought sent a shiver down his spine.
He remembered a conversation with his dad, a man of simple living and unwavering faith. "Gerrard," his dad had said, "Look at the ants. They work hard all summer, storing food for the winter. We need to learn from them. Prepare for the future, even when times are good."
Gerrard had scoffed at the time, dismissing his dad's advice as old-fashioned. Now, staring at the mounting bills, he realized his dad had been right. The carefree lifestyle he had embraced was starting to catch up with him.
He felt a pang of guilt, a sense of regret for not heeding his father's words. He knew he needed to make changes, to start living with more intention. He decided to start small, setting aside a small portion of each paycheck for savings. It wouldn't be easy, but he knew it was necessary.
As he started to implement these changes, he felt a sense of peace he hadn't experienced in a long time. He realized that true freedom wasn't about indulging every whim, but about living a life of purpose and responsibility. He began to see the wisdom in his father's words, and he thanked God for the gentle nudge towards a more responsible and fulfilling life.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for the wisdom found in your word.
Help me to learn from the example of the ant and to live with intentionality.
Give me the discipline to save for the future and the wisdom to use my resources wisely.
Grant me the courage to break free from the cycle of short-term gratification and to embrace a life of long-term security and peace.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
