Ant world

Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world.        — 2 Timothy 4:10

One of the highlights of my work as a college president is commencement. One year, while walking to the graduation ceremony, I was excited by the thought that our graduates were ready to go out to engage the world with the transforming power of the kingdom of Christ. On my way, I noticed some industrious ants busily going about their routine. I thought, There are much greater things happening than the building of sand piles!

It’s easy for us to get lost in “ant world” — to be so busy with our routines that we miss the joy of personally embracing the bigger picture of God’s great work around the world. The work of the Spirit is sweeping across South America, thousands in Africa are coming to know Christ daily, persecuted Christians are thriving, and the Asian Rim is throbbing with the pulse of the gospel! Do those thoughts ever capture your heart? Your prayer life? Your checkbook?

Our preoccupation with lesser things reminds me of Paul’s report that “Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world” (2 Tim. 4:10). I wonder if Demas regretted abandoning the gospel for the sand piles of this world?

Let’s get out of “ant world” and engage our hearts and lives in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

                                          — Joe Stowell

Lord, I love You and want to be a part of Your work around the world. Give me an open heart to know which opportunities You want me to be a part of and wisdom in knowing how to carry that out. Amen.

READ: 2 Timothy 4:9-18

Don’t let smaller things distract you from the bigger work of God

around the world.

The Bible in one year:

• Psalms 143-145

• 1 Corinthians 14:21-40