Chuck Larsen

Every parent hopes to see their children grow into productive members of society. We take quiet pride in their progress and often speak of their accomplishments with a smile that may or may not be entirely subtle. Scripture recognizes this responsibility and offers practical guidance. In Proverbs, Solomon repeatedly addresses “my son,” urging wisdom in daily living. One memorable example is found in Proverbs 6:6–9: “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise… she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” The lesson is simple but direct. The ant, without constant supervision, works diligently and prepares for what lies ahead. It is a small creature, yet it carries a large lesson. Solomon’s words gently expose the danger of laziness while pointing toward a life marked by foresight and effort.

That contrast becomes even clearer when we look at Proverbs 30:25: “The ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer.” The reference to ants as “a people” highlights their sense of community. Each one contributes, and together they accomplish what none could do alone. Lennox observes that the ant requires no external prodding, while the sluggard resists even the guidance that is freely offered. The ant understands timing; the sluggard seems to specialize in delay. It is not difficult to see echoes of this in our own routines. We may not lie in bed all day, but we can still find creative ways to postpone what needs to be done. There is always a convenient reason to wait just a little longer. Meanwhile, the ant quietly continues its work, unimpressed by our explanations. It is a humbling comparison, especially when we realize that the problem is not a lack of ability but a lack of consistent effort.

The New Testament deepens this wisdom by connecting it to our life in Christ. Paul writes, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10), emphasizing responsibility and diligence. At the same time, Scripture reminds us that our efforts are not isolated from God’s work within us. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). Jesus Himself said, “My Father is working until now, and I am working” (John 5:17), presenting a picture of purposeful activity rooted in divine purpose. In Him, diligence becomes more than a duty; it becomes an expression of faithfulness. The quiet labor of the ant finds its greater meaning when viewed through the life of Christ, who calls His followers to live with intention, responsibility, and steady devotion.

Beginning in Philippians 1:15, Paul addresses a difficult reality: some people preach Christ with the wrong motives. The order of verses may vary slightly among translations, but the message remains clear. Paul identifies several motives that should give us pause. There is envy, where ministry becomes a competition rather than a calling. There is strife, which naturally follows envy and leads to conflict. There is contention, a dividing spirit that draws lines and separates believers into opposing camps. There are impure motives, where outward religion masks inward self-interest. There is even a desire to cause affliction, where success is measured by another’s discomfort. Finally, there is the subtle tendency to use religion as a cloak, presenting a polished exterior while quietly ignoring deeper issues. These are not ancient problems confined to Paul’s day. They remain uncomfortably familiar, and they have a way of slipping into places where we least expect them.

When I consider these motives, I cannot help but notice how easily they appear in modern settings, including my own heart. Envy can disguise itself as ambition. Strife can present itself as conviction. Contention can feel like standing for truth, even when it divides more than it builds. Gromacki observed that strife often arises when people argue over how something is said rather than what is said. That feels accurate. Entire conversations can drift into debates over tone while the message quietly waits in the corner like a guest who was invited but forgotten. I have found that it is easier to recognize these tendencies in others than in myself. There is something about the human heart that prefers a mirror with softer lighting and a flattering angle. Yet Paul’s words remind us that even good actions can be driven by misplaced motives. It is a sobering thought that doing the right thing for the wrong reason still leaves something unsettled beneath the surface.

The New Testament does not leave us without direction. Paul himself provides a surprising response. Despite these flawed motives, he writes, “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice” (Philippians 1:18). His focus remains on Christ, not on personal rivalry. Jesus also addressed the heart behind our actions, warning against practicing righteousness “to be seen by others” (Matthew 6:1). He consistently pointed beyond outward performance to inward reality. Ultimately, Christ is both the message and the measure. Through Him, we see what true humility and sincerity look like. As Paul later writes, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). In Him, motives are not merely corrected; they are transformed.