If you are fortunate to have a garden, however large or small, during these times of pandemic, you have probably spent more time in it than usual. You may have noticed the creatures that share your garden with you, who either have made it their home, or are passing visitors. Observing these creatures, their habits and the way they live, can, I believe give us an insight into the nature of God and may enable us to reflect on our response to Him and to one another.
‘Ants’
Ants are fascinating creatures. Not quite so fascinating if they decide to invade your home (Cream of Tartar is a good environmentally friendly deterrent), but watching them in your garden, and how they interact with one another, demonstrates how we should interact and care for one another – the human species.
Ants are eusocial, which means they care and provide for one another. They operate as a unified entity, collectively working together to support the colony. Their success is due to social organization, where there is a division of labour. They communicate with one another to tap available resources and defend themselves. They have an ability to modify their habitats should there be an unpredicted change to them, and they have the ability, together, to solve complex problems.
Amazing creatures of our God and King – but read that description of their nature again, and wonder if it reminds you of something. This could almost be Paul writing to the churches at Philippi, Ephesus or Corinth to keep them focused on what God has called them to. To build up a community based on God’s love, to care and share, to encourage and enable. A community called ‘the church’ living in the unity of the Body of Christ as described by Paul in his letter to the Ephesians 4: 1 – 16.
Does this describe the church you belong to?
When our church is less than caring towards one another, when we want things our own way, when we are apathetic and have lost our first love of God, when we ignore the needs of others in our church and community, when we simply can’t be bothered anymore, because it has all got too much, when we have become embittered and moan that others are not doing their bit, then maybe we need to look to the tiny ant for our inspiration.
We have, of course, all the guidance we need within scripture, but watching a nest full of ants working together for the good of all, might just give us a better idea of how we can be the church God intended.