Go to the ant, you slacker! Observe its ways and become wise. Without leader, administrator, or ruler, it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food during harvest. Proverbs 6:6-8 HCSB
Dr. O. S. Hawkins, president of Guidestone Financial Resources, an agency that provides insurance and retirement plans for Southern Baptist ministers, has written a book entitled, “Antology”. He begins his book by asking, “What on earth is “antology” and what does it have to do with the issue of retirement? Solomon addressed this subject in a unique way when he challenged us to go to the ant … consider her ways and be wise. (Proverbs 6:6-8). The ant “stores” her provisions in the summer and “gathers” her provisions in harvest for a very important reason. Winter is coming! King Solomon reminds us that much can be learned from studying the ant as it particularly applies to our own winter season of life.”
I have heard it said that one should tithe at least 10% of his income to the church, save at least 10%, put at least 15% into a retirement account, and live on the other 65%. Solomon uses the illustration of an ant to help people realize the importance of making preparation for the future. Many individuals have not been paid well and have not been able to set money aside for retirement. Consequently, they find it difficult to make ends meet in retirement because they did not save money incrementally for the winter season of life.
Challenge: Be wise and plan for the future. Some would say that we must only trust God, however we must also follow God’s Word and His Word clearly encourages us to plan for the future. Trusting God does not mean to be idle. He expects us to do what we can, to work hard, and to save. Have you begun to make provision for the future and retirement? Go to the ant…consider her ways and be wise.