Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Bug Splatter

Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:         Proverbs 6:6

No one hates bugs in the house more than my wife. With the arrival of a single bug, the warning is sounded and all-out-war commences! Physical, chemical and sound wave weaponry is deployed with a vengeance rarely seen in her normally calm demeanor. I used to think she was frightened by the critters but I have slowly realized it is not fear but a protection of her domain. They may rule the outdoors but nothing comes into the home without her permission!

But even with such theatrics in our home, we need to closely listen to Solomon's advice in gaining wisdom from observing the ant. While we can often quote the fact that they gather food in the time of harvest, we tend to skip over the verse in between the two: "Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler," (Proverbs 6:7). Now that I think about it, I have never observed coronations, elections or debates among the ants before they were mercilessly splattered. We never hear of political boundaries between ants or democratic resolutions to resolve ant brutality. Why? For they all strive to ensure the benefit of the whole colony. They are not concerned with their position within the colony - they simply go about performing their role without the expectation for promotion or recognition.

Wouldn't it be great if we worked together in the same manner at church? We are working toward a common goal. Right? And what benefit is recognition on earth? Shouldn't the goal be recognition by our Master? Could we function without a guide, overseer or ruler? Nope, I am afraid the old "P" word would get in our way. People take pride in their sacrifices (and are happy to boast about them). People take pride in their honors and recognition. People take pride in their positions held within the church. Yes, pride keeps the church from functioning smoothly without a guide.

Perhaps we should squash our pride instead of the bugs? Then we could also be used as an example of selfless sacrifice to a common goal of glorifying our Savior!