Proverbs 6:6-8 instructs us: Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.

Australian Pastor, Reg Wright, has gleaned five principles for Christian living from observing the habits of ants.

1) Ants are diligent workers
If you watch ants they are always on the move working hard to preserve their nest. Diligence is an important principle of life for Christians as well. In order to accomplish our goals, we should consistently apply ourselves to the principles of Christian living outlined in God’s Word.

2) Ants are self motivated
As the relevant verses in Proverbs point out ants just get on with the job. They don’t need anyone to check up on them or egg them on. We are also to be people who take the initiative and get the job done - just like the ants.

3) Ants prepare for the future
Ants gather and store up food for the winter. Preparing in advance is a principle we can apply not only to our physical lives, but also to our spiritual lives and our relationship with God.

4) Ants work together as a community
An ant on its own has little strength, but when they work together as a community they can accomplish a great deal. Obviously God wants His followers to develop a strong community spirit and work together as well.

5) Ants don't give up
Ants show persistence and tenacity in accomplishing their tasks and this is also a trait we should seek to emulate. Ants don’t give up and neither should we.