What can we learn from the honey bee?
There’s a lot to admire about the little ol’ honey bee. From pollinating our flowers to giving us a sweet treat, this tiny critter pulls its weight and then some. However, the honey bee also teaches us an important life lesson. John Chrysostom, an Early Church Father, captures it well as he shared his thoughts on the good bee:
“The bee is more honored than other animals not because she labors, but because she labors for others.”
If you have enjoyed a spoonful of honey on a warm biscuit or appreciated a bumper crop of squash, you have a honey bee to thank. Their work, more often than not, serves others.
How Does This Apply To Us Today?
Our service to others without expecting any return emulates the bee and follows in Christ’s footsteps. Notice how the Gospel of Mark captures Christ’s example, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Consequently, there are three considerations for us today:
- Service in the kingdom of God does not promise a present return (2 Timothy 3:12).
- Service in the Kingdom of God does promise that our work in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
- Service in the kingdom of God does promise that God sees and will reward accordingly in the future (2 Corinthians 5:9-11).
Amid the obstacles of discouragement, distraction, and disillusionment in our Christian life, we have tiny critters offering encouragement as they remain steadfast in their commitment to serving others. And so, the honey bee points our eyes to a greater Servant who showed us that the most loving act of service was expressed by laying down His life as a “sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma” (Ephesians 5:1-2) for us.
Lord, help us to follow Your selfless example by serving others and honoring You in our spheres of influence. Amen.
Press on!
— July 19, 2023