[Ruth] Remaining in the Covenant RelationshipSample

The Way Of The World

Have you given thought to what truly motivates you and drives you? Do you find yourself doing or saying certain things out of selfishness? Do you rely on yourself instead of entirely relying on God? As Christians, we can see two different ways of doing things: the way of the world and the way of the Word.

In the book of Ruth, in chapter one, we see Naomi return home after the death of her husband and sons. Though she might appear to be returning to the covenant relationship with God, she is bitter. She tells people she went out full, and God brought her back empty. In chapter two, through Ruth, we see a recognition of the covenant relationship. We see Boaz as the goel, the kinsman redeemer, and we see provision from God for Ruth and Naomi. In chapter three, we will see Ruth remain in the covenant relationship while Naomi tries to do things her own way—the way of the world.

By law, Naomi had the right to go to Boaz and ask him to marry Ruth. Naomi could tell Boaz to be their goel. Instead, she put that responsibility on Ruth. Rather than humbly seeking God's provision, Naomi sends Ruth to lay at Boaz's feet.

Maybe she thought she could "help God." She was relying on herself when she started scheming a way to find a home for Ruth and a better future for both of them. Naomi had Ruth's best interest at heart, but she would also get her own needs met through Ruth.

That is the world's way of doing things. The world tells us to seek our interests and schemes to get them. Often, we end up sacrificing what the Lord has for us, which is so grand and glorious; we do not see it because we are only pursuing what we want.

God's Word tells us something completely different. Because of God's love for us, He tells us that if we seek Him and submit to Him, we will see success beyond our wildest imagination.

When Ruth obediently goes to Boaz, in obedience to Naomi, we notice her humility. She requests Boaz's protection without demanding it and asks for his redemption as a covenant promise. She does it the way of the Word!

What drives you? Is it the world or the Word?

What are ways in which I seek my own interests? When my focus is on my own interests, how does it impact God's work in my life? Do I believe His ways are best? How do I seek them?