The tale of Ruth and Boaz (found in the Book Of Ruth) in the Bible is one of the most glorious love stories every written. You have the love / devotion that Ruth shows to her mother in law Naomi modeled in her (Ruth) home in Moab and returned to Bethlehem with Naomi to begin a new life. This life was not going to be one of ease, and it also meant leaving behind her homeland and home gods and taking on the Naomi’s God and homeland as her own, but Ruth, regardless of the amount of personal sacrifice required, felt she was called too it due her devotion to Naomi.
Once in Bethlehem, Ruth set about providing for both Naomi and herself. She went to the fields to glean (pick up the left overs of the harvest) and began gleaning at a field owned by Boaz, after asking permission from the overseer. Boaz immediately noticed Ruth when he arrived.. He inquired about who she was, and once told of her identity knew much about her due to the reputation that proceeded her. Boaz then extends his protection and provision to Ruth, telling her to not just glean but to harvest beside his workers. The first day in the field harvesting Ruth took home enough grain for herself and Naomi for several days. Boaz also tells Ruth to only harvest in his fields and not to go to the fields of others where he could not provide for and protect her.
Ruth continued to harvest in Boaz’s fields for about 8 to 9 months. Naomi then encourages Ruth to inquiry about Boaz acting as a kinsman redeemer (a kinsman redeemer was a close relative that helped to provide for the family, including taking care of family members that fell on hard times and continuing the name of dead family members if needed). Boaz agrees to do so. He takes Ruth in as his wife and provides a son to continue the name / line of her dead husband.
Throughout the tale found in the Book of Ruth, both Ruth and Boaz are described as people of high character and values. In fact Boaz acts are Old Testament examples of many of the roles provided by Jesus when He came to earth to redeem His people. In addition to the examples provided by Boaz, there are in fact many New Testament / Christian life lessons to be learned by reading the Book of Ruth. One of these is that people of high character and values are noticed and discussed by others. In fact those very things are the things that others do notice, discuss, and use to define people. So, today I want to talk about the need for a people to have a reputation of high values and morals if they plan to act in roles of provider and leadership.
Referring back to the book of Ruth again quickly, we find in Ruth 3:18 (NIV) - the red text and ( and ) added by us - we find the following -
Ruth 3:18 Then Naomi said, "Wait, my daughter (RUTH), until you find out what happens. For the man (BOAZ) will not rest until the matter is settled today."
How many people could or would say the same of you? If you give your word to take care of something do people think you will follow through? Do they think you will try for a bit, and then give up when it gets hard? Do they think you will not even try? Do they assume that the statement was never meant to be followed through with to begin with? If you are a person of character and values it should be the first. People should believe that if you give your word you will follow through.
Your word should be as good as a contract. It should be something that can be relied upon, depended upon, planned upon, and built upon. Those around you should discuss not the lapses in your word and life, but the consistent delivery of your word and the results from it.
Some would argue that such a ideal is impossible, and it is. We all will fail in following through at some point and in some area. That fact does not however remove us from the fact that we should keep our word the vast majority of the time. Your word, your bond, your ways, your actions should regularly speak to the nature of your heart and your life. People should see you as a lynch pen of dependability that they can anchor their needs and requests on. When you say you will do it, it should be done. The rare failures should not just that rare, not the rule.
People may say that such a life is not possible in today’s fast paced, helter skelter life. I would counter and I contend that people of their word, people of high values and good characteristics, have always been the exception and a life of such has always been difficult regardless of their surroundings. Modern life does not change characteristics, it just allows those characteristics to be more visible and acceptable as there are less and less demand on values as people yearn more for self and less for others. Human nature is always going to pursue selfishness over selflessness.
So, today I have two challenges for you. First take a few minutes and read the Book of Ruth. It is only four chapters and will likely only take a few minutes. See how God works in the lives of the devoted, hard working, diligent and caring. He can and does restore us all from foreign aliens to full members of His families with all the rewards and rest that comes with that. This only comes though when we begin to yearn not for ours, but for His will, lying our lives at His feet and waiting for His response and prompt.
As you read, do not let the culture of the times (Ruth 3:7-10) convince you that this is a tale of immorality as it is not. All involved were people of values and morals. Boaz could have taken advantage long before if he had wanted, he did not as he viewed Ruth as a woman of character and value. Ruth could have enticed him to act, but she waited for his response. Naomi could have prompted her daughter in law to act differently and sooner, but she did not and would not. The key character in all of this is God and His leading and directing of people seeking His will and way for their life. God would never lead His people into immorality.
Secondly, after you read, review, and reflect on the lessons and character shown within the Book of Ruth, think about how you can begin to model a life of character and value in your life today. If you are already living your life in this way, great continue on. If you not start making the changes needed today. These changes in living may be a short walk or a long journey for you, but they need to occur. Regardless of your starting place, God has a purpose, plan, and path to use you in His world in His ways for His glory.
Like Ruth you character should proceed your actions and should be the thing that people know and discuss about you. Allow your character and values to become the model for those around you. Sure it will be difficult and trying, but nothing worth doing is easy and with testing comes triumphant.
Stay strong, be courageous, and serve God in all things.
