Devotional Thought - Trail of Ants
by Faithe Thomas
While
visiting with friends, I noticed a trail of ants marching through the maze of
wicker and bamboo furniture. I wondered how each ant knew where the previous
ant had been. I guessed that they, like Hansel and Gretel, left a trail to be
followed. If so, their trail was not visible to human eyes.
I decided to test my theory. I rubbed my finger across their path at one point and then waited to see what would happen. Sure enough, when the next ant came to that point, it was at a loss for which way to go! It spent some time wandering around until it discovered the other side of the trail.
As another ant approached, it, too, was confused as to where to go, but it somehow managed to follow most of the wanderings of the previous ant and found the original trail again.
I also walk on a path, one forged by Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:5-16 points me in the right direction. To follow Christ I must have the same attitudes that He had. I need to put others first by thinking of myself as their servant.
Philippians 2:14-15 shows me how I stray from following Christ. When I grumble and complain my attitudes do not reflect those found in Christ. At that point, I have stopped imitating Him and stepped off the trail. That sin has the same result as my finger did when I rubbed it across the path of the ants.
Paul encourages me in verse 16 to “prove to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.” To follow the correct path I need to mirror the attitudes of Christ and guide others along the trail by encouraging them to fix their eyes on Him.
About the Author
Faithe Finley Thomas lived as a missionary in Ghana, West Africa for six years. Her book "Staying in the Breeze" is a thoughtful reflection of some of her experiences. It can be purchased through Master Design.
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