From Gary... The Ant

Many thanks to brother Walter Vogt for this picture!!!

I haven't seen brother Walter Vogt in many, many years and frankly had no idea he had such a talent at photography!!!  This image is simply amazing!!!  Just a simple picture, yet it is filled with a very important message to those who are acquainted with the Scriptures.  Read on to see what I am referring to...

Proverbs, chapter 6

 6 Go to the ant, you sluggard.

Consider her ways, and be wise;

 

7 which having no chief, overseer, or ruler,

8 provides her bread in the summer,

and gathers her food in the harvest.

9 How long will you sleep, sluggard?

When will you arise out of your sleep?

10 A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to sleep:

11 so your poverty will come as a robber,

and your scarcity as an armed man.

2 Thessalonians, chapter 3

6  Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us.  7 For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously among you,  8 neither did we eat bread from anyone’s hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you;  9 not because we don’t have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.  10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone will not work, neither let him eat.”  11 For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies.  12 Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 

Work, it is a necessity!!!  However, today our government encourages people not to work by its welfare policies.  If you are unmarried and keep having children- you just get more and more money!!!  No responsibility, no accountability, just benefits.  If you can find the exact job you want- no problem, the government will just extend the benefits.  Now, I freely admit it is human nature to be lazy.  Consider, that the church at Thessalonica had that problem.  However, Paul gave them corrective teaching and his own example to follow to remedy the situation.  Those of you who have known me for several decades can testify to the fact that I would always work.  If I couldn't find a job that provided enough income, I would get a second job.  Life was difficult- try working two shifts days on end with rotating days off.  But somehow I did it.  It is a matter of fact that I earned my degree in Bible while working two jobs.  If you are able to work- then work!!!    

6 Go to the ant, you sluggard.

Consider her ways, and be wise;