Dwell | ProverbsSample

Go to the Ant, O Sluggard

Introduction

Hi, this is Tripp, and welcome to Dwell.

For the next few minutes, I invite you to join me as we recenter upon the Lord by opening our hearts to hear from him through the words of Scripture.

Thanks for joining us.

Silence

As we begin, let's sit in silence for a moment, seeking to be attentive to the presence of God, the one in whom we live and move and have our being.

Passage

Today, we reflect together on Proverbs 6:6-11.

Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man. (ESV)

Exhortation

Wisdom is often found in our embrace of moderation. In a culture of extreme work and high value placed upon productivity, we often must be reminded of the value of rest and retreat. You are more than the sum of what you produce!

However, it is possible to swing too far in this direction and let healthy rest turn into a disordered love for leisure - one that puts our own sense of fulfillment and happiness above all other duties or callings.

This is not right, and the words of Proverbs 6 invite us into healthy realignment.

Without a chief or ruler to demand work from them, the ant is a self-motivated creature, giving itself to hard and meaningful work simply because it is the right thing to do. What incredible lessons can be learned from such a simple creature!

Do you and I work hard only when a superior is looking? Or, knowing that our work is an offering to God, can we give ourselves fully to what he has called us to do?

When we work, we join the Lord in his creative work, bringing order out of chaos, even in small and seemingly unseen ways.

And so, even as you embrace a life of rest, so too look to the ant and discover the joy that is found in giving yourself away in hard and honest work.

Active Response

In response, Let's once again linger in silence with God's word and this reflection upon our hearts, staying alert to any nudging or prompting by the Holy Spirit.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank you for the gift of work and the countless ways you invite us to join you in the ordering of your creation. Keep us free from the traps of laziness and idleness, and instead, give us the strength needed to follow as you lead through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Outro

Now, go in peace, and let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.