With reference to flies, Solomon wrote. . .
“(10) Dead flies make the perfumer’s ointment give off a stench; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.” (Ecclesiastes 10:1 ESV)
With reference to ants, Solomon noted. . .
“(6) Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. (7) Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, (8) she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” (Proverbs 6:6-8 ESV)
I think it interesting that Solomon did not urge the going to learn from the fly, but from the ant. Though flies may be drawn to that which is fragrant and sweet, remaining there to selfishly get what they want for themselves may not leave any desirable result. However, when ants find a sweet food source, they seem to immediately begin spreading the news and soon the line of ants begins their industrious work of gathering together. (note also Proverbs 30:24-25)
Following the healing of a man who had been possessed by demons (Mark 5:1-13), obviously feeling great gratitude for the dynamic change Jesus had brought to his life, this man begged Jesus to let him go with Him. (Mark 5:18) However, Jesus had a better role for him as we read. . .
“(19) And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” (20) And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.” (Mark 5:19-20 ESV)
Rather than merely accepting the sweet blessing for himself and going with Jesus, he was urged to go share the story of the Lord’s sweet mercy upon him. We too, rather than keeping the sweet story of the blessings Christ has brought into our life to ourselves, let us also share it with others that they too may be drawn to the sweet Savior sent from above! Have we indeed “tasted that the Lord is good”? (1 Peter 2:3) Don’t be the fly in the ointment, but the ant spreading the good news!
Have a great day SHARING SALVATION’S SWEET STORY!
Carl
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