An Economic Lesson from the Ant
A commentary by Larry J. Walker
Pastor, United Church of God, Bend, Medford and Roseburg, Oregon
 Kurt
Andersen, author and the host of the public-radio program Studio 360,
in his recent article "The End of Excess: Why This Crisis Is Good
for America" (Time,
April 6, 2009) commented:
"You know the story of the ant and the grasshopper? The ant is
disciplined, the grasshopper parties as if the good times will last
forever—and then winter descends...It's time to ratchet
back our wild and crazy grasshopper side and get in touch with our inner
ant...."
The economic connection
Anderson's key point is that the current economic crisis affords
us an opportunity to learn a vital lesson from the industrious nature
of the ant, which is also the main point of the following scriptural
passage in Proverbs.
"Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise,
which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in
the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you slumber,
O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little
slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep—so shall your
poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man" (Proverbs
6:6-11).
Plan more, party less
We all have probably viewed ants in action—carrying, building,
cleaning and working to prepare for the welfare of the colony. In my
yard is an ant hill that I run over with my riding mower every time
I cut the grass. But the ants never give up. They keep on rebuilding.
Talk about perseverance! But that's another lesson.
Back to the main point of preparing ahead!
Ants were programmed this way by the Creator. They don't have
the visionary and planning capacity that God gave mankind. God expects
us to use our unique ability for thinking and making decisions to plan
our lives in accordance with the knowledge He gives us in the Scriptures.
But we can also learn things about God from His creation (Romans 1:19-20),
even from the advance preparation of tiny ants.
Joseph's 7 year preparation plan
The biblical patriarch Joseph's national plan for Egypt is a
prime example of advance planning based on revealed truth. God revealed
to Joseph that the nation of Egypt would experience seven years of prosperity
followed by seven years of famine.
So Joseph counseled Pharaoh, "Let Pharaoh do this, and let him
appoint officers over the land, to collect one-fifth of the produce
of the land of Egypt in the seven plentiful years. And let them gather
all the food of those good years that are coming, and store up grain
under the authority of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
Then that food shall be as a reserve for the land for the seven years
of famine which shall be in the land of Egypt, that the land may not
perish during the famine" (Genesis 41:34-36).
Saving for the proverbial "rainy day" is a sound financial
principle that has been sadly neglected in recent times. Thankfully,
many have realized their mistake and have begun to trim their expenses
in order to put more money into savings.
Unfortunately, some have gone from one extreme to another—from
overspending to under-spending. Consumer spending in moderation is a
necessary component of economic health.
Hopefully, this will balance out and the economy will recover.
Spiritual preparation
However, the current economic woes could continue to worsen to the
point of international disaster. The Bible foretells a period of prosperity
at the time of the end, but at the cost of economic freedom.
A great economic, political and religious system that the Bible calls "the
beast" is prophesied to exercise control over its constituents
worldwide, forcing them to receive not only "the mark of the beast" but
to also worship the beast in order to buy and sell (Revelation 13:11-17;
18:3).
Our spiritual freedom will then be greatly restricted!
Time will tell how and when this will transpire. But regardless of
the time element, the most important advance preparation we can make
is spiritual.
God promises that if we seek His kingdom and righteousness as our top
priority, He will provide our material needs (Matthew 6:19-33) even
in times of famine (Psalm 33:18-19).
  For a clear explanation of the times that are coming and relevant advice
on how to prepare for them, I encourage you to request, download or read
online our free booklets: Managing Your Finances and The
Book of Revelation Unveiled.
Related Resource
Will
Global Economic Turmoil Precede Jesus Christ's Return?
What possible connection could the global marketplace have with Jesus Christ's
return? Do you understand the Bible's prophetic links?
Coping
With a Growing Economic Crisis
Last year was the worst year for U.S. home foreclosures since 1932, at the height
of the Great Depression. The economy may be in trouble, but you can take steps
to prepare for the growing downturn.
Are
You a Slave to Debt?
Millions have allowed themselves to become enslaved to a harsh taskmaster—debt.
Are you one of those caught in this trap? What can you do to break free?
Beyond
Today: Surviving an Economic Crisis
How can you get control of your life, behavior and money? The answer comes from
a surprising, yet very wise source.
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