Lessons from Ants
A couple of summers ago, I had one of those little moments where God opened my eyes. I was looking for bugs outside with my kids when we lifted a big rock, and underneath were hundreds of ants and tiny white eggs. The second that rock was moved, the ants immediately rushed to grab the eggs and carry them away. There was no hesitation and no scrambling; those ants just knew what to do. It was an instant and instinctive action to protect their young.
Later, I got curious and looked it up. I learned that ants do this to protect their eggs from potential danger. When they sense that their nest has been exposed, they act fast to protect and keep the next generation safe. That image stuck with me. Isn’t that what we’re called to do as moms trying to raise children in a world full of spiritual danger?
The interesting part of it all was that those ant eggs were comfortable where they were. They didn’t even realize they were in danger, but the older ants saw the threat, and they acted. It reminded me of how the enemy often comes in and lifts the rock in our children’s lives, shaking up what once felt safe and trying to bring harm in subtle and sneaky ways. Our kids might feel “comfortable” with certain things, things like what they’re watching, listening to, or being exposed to, but that doesn’t always mean it’s safe for their hearts, minds, and souls. As moms, we are called to recognize the danger, even when our children don’t see it yet.
Just like those ants, we must be alert to the threats and willing to move our children to a safer place, even when it’s uncomfortable. If given the opportunity, the enemy would love nothing more than to fill our children’s minds with fear, anxiety, confusion, or desensitization. Sometimes those harmful seeds are planted subtly through what they watch, what they hear, or what the world tries to tell them about who they are.
Do you remember that old song from Sunday school?
Oh, be careful little eyes what you see…
Oh, be careful, little ears, what you hear…
For the Father up above is looking down in love…
I finally understood, years later, how much truth was wrapped in that simple little song. The things that go into our children’s eyes, ears, and hearts really do matter. If we notice that something they’re watching or listening to stirs up fear, anxiety, or anything that doesn’t bring peace to their minds, it’s okay to pull them away from it. Maybe it’s a popular show or movie they love or a video game they enjoy playing. They laugh, they’re entertained, and “all the other kids are doing it,” but something in our spirit feels off. That gentle tug from the Holy Spirit nudges us and says, “This isn’t good.” Sometimes we even experience mom guilt, which we get because pulling them away from something they enjoy means dealing with protests, tears, and maybe even anger.
But, mamas, we are called to step in! As Christian women, we’ve been given the beautiful responsibility of being the gatekeepers of our homes. Just because the world says it is okay doesn’t mean it has to be okay in our lives. Part of our role is to gently guide our children toward what’s healthy and life-giving, things that strengthen them, not stir up worry or confusion. When the enemy lifts the rock and tries to sneak into your home, we don’t respond out of fear; we can respond out of love. A love that protects and a love that listens to the Holy Spirit. As we lean into His voice, He reminds us that every child and family is different. What one mom feels peace about and allows in her home, another may not, and that’s okay. There’s no room for comparison here, just grace as we each follow where He leads us!
There may also be times when we overhear our kids, or other kids, talking in ways that are dishonoring God. Maybe it’s gossip, making fun of someone, or using language that doesn’t reflect kindness or truth. Again, we are called to step in. Yes, it can feel awkward to do this, especially if you’re the only one doing it; however, don’t underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit guiding you! It can be as simple as encouraging our kids to encourage others and reminding them to be a light to others wherever they go. Or maybe it is, saying: “hey, that’s not kind,” or “let’s be the ones who lift others up instead of tearing them down.” That correction might just be the seed that changes someone’s heart. Let’s be the women who stand up for what’s right and show the next generation you don’t have to follow the customs of the world, but to walk in light, the way of Jesus.
Just like those ants rushing in to protect the eggs, we can protect the next generation with our words and prayers, too. One of the most powerful things we can do is speak life into our kids and remind them of who they are in Christ before the world has a chance to label them. The world is constantly throwing confusing messages that go against God’s plan for us. That is why it is important to equip our kids with a strong foundation of who they are in God’s eyes, not the world’s.
We can speak truth into their hearts by saying things like :
You are a child of God (John 1:12)
You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
You are chosen (1 Peter 2:9)
You are loved (1 John 4:11-12)
You are forgiven (Ephesians 4:32)
You are cared for (1 Peter 5:7)
Mama, even if it feels like they aren’t listening, it still matters! Even when we can’t see the fruit right away, we are planting seeds and settling truth in their hearts.
Prayer is such an important part of how we can protect the next generation, too. When we feel that nudge from the Holy Spirit to pray for them, do it, even if it's while folding laundry, driving, or doing dishes, it still matters! Even when they are sleeping, go into their rooms and pray over them. Speak words of life and God’s love over them; He hears every single little prayer.
Remember, we are like the ants, rushing in when something threatens the safety of the next generation. This is not because we are fearful, but because we are faithful. We are faithful to the calling God has placed on us as mothers and women of God. We might not get it right every time. There will be moments we miss the mark or feel overwhelmed. We may not always have the perfect words or know exactly what to do, but when we listen to that still, small voice, He will guide us. Every time we say no to something harmful, every time we speak up in love, every time we declare truth and pray over them, we are carrying those precious eggs to safety. We are carrying them to the safety of Him. In the end, we’re reminded: God is their refuge and their safe place. He will shield them from harm and guide them safely through life’s uncertainties.