Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics.
I suppose we have all watched ants at some time or another. I remember, as a kid, spraying some ants with red paint so that I could observe how often they came and went from their anthill. I never saw them again. I guess I killed them. Oh, to be able to go back to days like that when you could spend your time watching ants! I just might give it another try soon. It is scriptural, you know, and it is amazing how the insect world teems beneath our feet mostly unnoticed.
Proverbs 6:6-8 (NKJV)
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise,
7 Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler,
8 Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest.
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise,
7 Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler,
8 Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest.
What is the point of the writer? Men (and children) need to be industrious. Yes, God takes care of His critters (Matthew 6:25-26), but He also teaches some good lessons through them. In this case, the lesson is that work is necessary if you are to succeed and survive. I am sorry to say that this is a lesson many have not learned. What do you suppose would happen today if we returned to the Apostle Paul’s strategy? He told the church at Thessalonica that if anyone wouldn’t work he shouldn’t eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Sounds like Paul had been watching the ants.
Certainly Paul did not mean that we shouldn’t take care of those unable to work or those who cannot care for themselves (James 2:14-17, Matthew 25:35-40). We are to do that, but the modern-day entitlement mentality has robbed people of self-worth, dignity and integrity. We rob our own children when we do not teach them responsibility at home.
Whatever happened to the good old concept of chores? Why should a parent come home from work dragging his or her feet to find their lazy teenagers lying on the couch while supper is yet unprepared? Why should mom have to do all the vacuuming, cleaning and washing of clothes and dishes? Why should dad have to mow all the lawn, wash all the vehicles, take out all the trash, etc? I have discovered one reason some parents let this happen. It is because they do not think their children can do as well as them, and rather than take the time and energy to teach their children, they just do it all themselves. Rearing children and expecting perfection is unrealistic. In the end, both parents and children are robbed. I pity the couple that marry and then discover neither one can cook! After a while eating out of a can gets old, restaurants get expensive and in-laws get testy when you show up for dinner every evening. 03-18-09
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