More Than Just Hanging Around

Just Hanging Around

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

I married an ant. I birthed two ants. I have a couple of grandchildren that are ants. It’s tough living in a household of ants, especially when you aren’t one! An ant represents a person who is always on the move, busy doing anything, but always busy. In fact, they enjoy being busy.

I don’t really think of myself as a sluggard, but this verse did make me stop and take a look at myself. I am definitely not an ant, but I sure hope I’m not a sloth! A sloth is a very slow animal known for just “hanging around” – literally! A sloth hangs on a branch and seemingly does nothing for days on end. I sure I’m not a sloth!

I had to wonder about that though because my family often teases me about being on the computer a lot and not being as active as they are. (Mind you, my son-in-law is on his computer all day for his job, but he never gets in trouble for it!) My excuse is that sitting at a computer is what a writer does, right? I can’t write when mowing the lawn or tending a garden, but am I being a sloth? Proverbs has a few verses about being slothful, and they are not complimentary! Proverbs 19:15 states, “Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger,” and Proverbs 18:9 tells us “He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.” No, I definitely don’t want to be a sloth. So what am I?

I made the mistake of asking my family what type of animal I might be. I got four different answers, so I thought I’d do a little research. My results? I think I’m more like a donkey. After all, donkeys spend their days resting during the hottest part of the day (yep, that’s me!), and they are voracious eaters (definitely a yes!). My husband sweetly pointed out that donkeys are also a bit stubborn! (Me?)

All kidding aside, it really doesn’t matter what type of animal compares to me, what is important is that I am not slothful when it comes to serving the Lord. He has given me a job to do while I am here on earth, and it’s my Christian responsibility to keep busy doing His work. It could be by teaching Sunday school, handing out tracts, visiting the sick and elderly, or even sitting at a computer writing a Christian blog! The Bible says in Colossians 3:23, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”

Even in times of social-isolation, we can keep busy for God. Write someone a “just thinking about you” note; call someone and have an “encouragement chat,” send a missionary a “keeping in touch” email. There’s so much we can do for God even within the confines of our homes.

I may not be an ant, but I can be as busy as a bee for the Lord!

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be, swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.

(from “Take My Life and Let It Be” by Frances Ridley Havergal)

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:10,11

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Not sure what to do? Ask Jesus. Then quietly listen for His response. He’ll tell you!