Friday, July 28, 2006
Proverbs 6:6-8 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest.
SAVING
As stewards of what the Lord has given us we are encouraged to gain wisdom by looking at the example of the ant. The ant does a fine job of not only faithfully working to provide for the present needs, but sets up some reserves for the future when food will not be readily available. In the summer there is no need for reserves as the weather is suitable to growing and eating. In the harvest time the growing is done and the bounty is all around. However, the plenty will not last forever. There needs to be a reserve for future use when there is nothing growing or coming in.
In our management of the money which the Lord has entrusted to us, we do well to consider the lesson of the ant. Instead of using up all the resources at the present time, it would be wise to put some away for future use, at a time when income is not easily attained.
This is called savings. This concept is not new, yet it would seem as though it has been lost on the majority of people in our nation. Recent statistics from the Federal Government show that in the year 2005, Americans spent more than they earned by one half of one percent. That is the first time since the Great Depression. The typical American family spent more than it earned in 2005, creating a society even further in debt.
What is the cure? We could start by going and looking at the example of the ant. Watch how he works faithfully even though no one is watching over him. See how he puts some in reserve for the time when there is nothing coming in. We too should faithfully work as the Lord has given us strength, deny ourselves of instant satisfaction, and set aside funds for future use. Indeed, the Lord is good, and His mercy endures forever.
