The Church is Similar to an Ant Colony

Ants are social insects that live and work together in large communities. Each member has a position to fill, from laying eggs, nurturing the young, gathering food or constructing and protecting the nest from enemies. Foraging ants go out daily and each one brings back to the colony some small asset. None returns empty-handed.

The working colony is dependent upon the contributions of each one of its members. Ants prepare in one season so they can be ready for the next. They stay on their assigned task and accommodate for other ants, working with a purpose and for the greater good of the colony. 

The Church has characteristics similar to an ant colony. Members of the Church possess a diversity of gifts suited to support specific functions. “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12). In Roman’s 12:6-8, the diversity of gifts are identified as prophesy, ministry (serving), teaching, exhortation, giving, ruling and showing mercy.

I have often envisioned a great number of churches in Northern Virginia working in unison for the greater glory of God and operating through His will. Everyone would have a powerful desire to serve God, model Jesus' teaching and provide an example to others so that they can serve God too!  Through hard work and commitment each individual would supply an added measure of determination, skill and teamwork for glorifying God.

Christ's desire is to have us in His Family. He wants us to develop initiative, passion, vigor and leadership. Christ desires to see us experience success on a physical level, in our employment, marriages and personal relationships.

He also wants us to understand that one is richest when we use our talents out of love to benefit others.

“But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” (1 Corinthians 12:24-26).

God has a place of service for you in His Church. Simply seek an opportunity where you can contribute and the rewards shall be reaped by all.

Mark Gunderman can be reached at gunderman2001@aol.com.

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