“Go to the ant, O lazy one; Observe her ways and be wise, 7Which, having no chief, Overseer or ruler,8She prepares her food in the summer And brings in her provisions [of food for the winter] in the harvest.9How long will you lie down, O lazy one? When will you arise from your sleep [and learn self-discipline]?10“Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to lie down and rest”–11So your poverty will come like an approaching prowler who walks [slowly, but surely]

Proverbs 6:7-11 

Today we have a stinging rebuke of the slothful and lazy! Solomon uses the simplicity of the insect world to drive home a serious point. The expel of one of the smallest inset demonstrating wisdoms is a reminder that man isn’t the answer to every problem. The sin nature within us is always pushing for the easy way out! The reality of life is that to succeed it takes hard work, determination, and commitment to see the reward desired! The age-old adage of “if it’s too good to be true…it most likely is,” is one of the most profound and insightful statements ever made. Yet, despite the reality of it, many are taken by quick “get rich schemes” or become slaves of those who seem to be providing for our needs! The Apostle Paul also gave warning about those who do not want to work to earn their way,

“For even while we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 11Indeed, we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined and inappropriate life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies [meddling in other people’s business]. 12Now such people we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work quietly and earn their own food andother necessities [supporting themselves instead of depending on the hospitality of others]. 13And as for [the rest of] you, believers, do not grow tired or lose heart in doing good [but continue doing what is right without weakening].”

1 Thessalonians 3:10-13 AMP

There are resources for those who for various reasons cannot produce enough to sustain themselves. The problem is that many today who can provide for themselves are sucking the well dry of the resources needed for those who cannot. That my friends is a simple matter of laziness and greed! It is so easy to say that “those people” who have should not be able to if I do not! In the atmosphere of wokeness today, the attitude is it is someone else’s responsibility to provide for my needs. That is just simply not true! I wholly believe that if we do our part, no matter how small it may be, God will do His. The Scripture is clear,

“ I was young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his seed begging bread.” Psalms 37:25 AMP

The key to this is understanding the difference between need and want! The flesh will forever be craving more and more fulfillment and wanting more and more “stuff” to try and satisfy an unquenchable need. That need my friends is a relationship with God! I remember when I first got saved. I wanted so badly to tell people my age that what they are looking for wasn’t on the face of a mirror, or in a bottle, or in a relationship, or some new drug that could ease the pain! No! I had finally found peace in my life! What people are looking for is a connection to the one who created them and loves them the most! Jesus told His disciples,

“But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.” Matthew 6:33 AMP

Do you see it? The goal is the Kingdom of God not the kingdom of man! Whether you are living in a 25-room mansion or in a straw hut, if your focus if on Him, you will be satisfied. It amazes me that people on each end of that spectrum seem to want what the other has thinking that that will quiet the voice. The flesh will always want more. We need to overcome it by trusting in God and knowing that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all I ask or think! Have a blessed and productive day, Pastor Ken