Here are three lessons we can learn from a Snail.
1. Slow Down
Snails are known to be very slow creatures. They take their time and slowly achieve their goal. As Christians, we are to be patient, slow to speak, and slow to anger. In a busy world where everything is demanded and expected immediately, we can get caught up in that current and miss the main objective of life, to live for God. As Adrian Rogers said, "if Satan can't make you bad, he'll make you busy". It is very easy to become busy! Busy with work, family, health issues, financial situations, friends, relationships, chores... the list goes on and on. We all have many things to do each and every day but when we are too busy to spend time with God, our Creator, too busy to actually enjoy the beauty God provides, too busy to live then we have greatly missed the point of life itself! It is a sin to be busy if it is keeping you from spending time with God each day. God has allotted the same amount of time each day for each person. When we organize our "to-do lists" correctly and accomplish something well each day then we will find out that we can get things done that truly needed to be done, spend necessary quality time with the Lord, spend quality time with others, and do a few things we want each day. God tells us to live each day focused on the day at hand. Be prepared, yes, but leave the tasks and needs of tomorrow with God and live 100% present in today!
2. Be Useful
Snails are useful in many areas of life. Some snail species are used in aquariums to keep the tanks clean. Snail mucus is used in some cosmetics for hydrating the skin, anti-aging/wrinkles, and diminishing the appearance of scars. As humans, we are all created for a purpose. God has a plan for each human being! We are not on this earth to sit around having a pity party, living a dark and sinful life, or wasting the precious life God has given. We are to live as useful members of society and most importantly, as Christians, we are to live as useful members of the body of Christ. To be useful means to be helpful, productive, active, serving others, contributing to something. Are you serving God and others with your talents, skills, purpose, or resources? Or are you hiding away being unused, not participating or contributing, not working for God and building up the kingdom? No matter what health issue, financial problem, or circumstance you face, we all can be of use in some manner!
3. Adapt
Snails are very good at adapting to their surroundings or circumstances. They can survive in many different types of conditions even places with limited food resources. Adapting is not the same as tolerating. As Christians, we need to adapt to our surroundings in a way that shows the love of God to others and produces good fruit no matter what circumstance we may face. Sometimes we may be in a bad situation, an unwelcomed circumstance, or a place we may not like, but, God has a reason for everything and will work through you to accomplish His will. Instead of fighting God because it may not be what you like or prefer, as Jonah did, walk in faith and be a good steward of time and the resources God has given you. You are in control of your actions and attitude. As the bible says in 1 Peter 3:15-17, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."
This week, think about ways you can improve and use your time and resources better. Make an action plan (your goal(s) and how you will accomplish it/them, step-by-step) and carry it through. I would love to hear your goals for this week and how you are actively achieving them.
My action plan headlines this week: 1) being slow to speak: I will work at guarding my tongue to speak less so that what I do say is pleasing to God. 2) living each day present and focused, not worrying about tomorrow, and using my time more efficiently which will allow me to be more productive. 3) Practice meekness which is being gentle and humble towards others and submissive to God.
I'll "guard my tongue" after I say this.....you sure know how to step on toes, Carina!! #1 is something I really have to guard against.....never heard that "if the devil can't make you bad he will make you busy".....he has had me too much!!! Thanks so much for these thoughts that will, hopefully, turn into reality....