Head: Know God's Word | Heart: Love God | Hands: Follow God's Way

Read Proverbs 6

Head

The Book of Proverbs was written to serve as a means of instruction and discipline and to help young people make good decisions.

Today’s verse is from Proverbs 6.  "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!" Proverbs 6:6 (NIV)

Have you ever taken the time to watch ants at work? They have many character traits that teach us the value of teamwork, as well as hard work and responsibility. Although they are some of the smallest creatures known to man, the work ethic they display enables them to do big things.  In contrast, “you sluggard” means someone who doesn’t want to get up, do their chores, or try hard at anything. It’s like being super lazy, even when there's something important to do.

What is work ethic, you might ask? Work ethic means doing your best, even when it's hard or when no one is watching. You know how ants are always moving, carrying food, and working together? They don’t wait for someone to tell them what to do. That’s like having a good work ethic — doing what needs to be done because it’s the right thing to do.

This may mean being diligent in school and with chores. Sometimes you may think that your parents forgot to remind you to do something, but if you know that you are supposed to do it, be like the ant and do it because it’s the right thing to do. This means understanding the value of working hard even when no one is watching.

Heart

“What can we learn from ants? How can we be more like ants when it comes to school, family, or faith?”

The good news is that when we trust God with all our heart, the Holy Spirit living within us acts as an inside voice to direct our steps and to help keep our paths straight.  One of my favorite things is knowing that I can still make the right decision when no one else is looking because I keep the fact in my heart that God knows and sees all things.  No sin that we do is hidden from our precious Lord and Savior.

Hands

What are some ways that you can keep from making choices that cause you to feel bad about your actions?  If you make the wrong decision, how can you make it right with yourself and with God?

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for the wonderful mercy that You give us daily.  Thank You for Your forgiveness when we do wrong.  Lord, help us to remember that You see and know all things so that we can remember not to sin against You.  Forgive us for all the things we have done wrong. Amen.