In today’s post, we will be looking at the life of Ruth as an exemple of Service and Selflessness. Our anchor scripture is Ruth 3: 1-13. Fasten your seat belt as we sail on this terrific journey together.
BACKGROUND CHRONICLE
Before we begin, let’s go through a brief synopsis of the story from the first chapter. The book of Ruth according to history was written by Samuel sometimes between 1100BC and 1160BC.
The narrative of Ruth is striking because it points us to the Love of God. Now Israel was in a dark age where they suffered greatly as a result of immorality and apostasy and God’s punishment towards them as a result of their error was famine. Due to the unbearable suffering, the scripture recorded that a certain man called Elimelech, who happens to be Naomi’s husband fled to a neighbouring country called Moab with his family (Naomi and their two sons Mahlon and Chilion). Their sons got married to Moabite women named Ruth and Orpah.
In about ten years, Naomi lost both her husband and her sons. She thought of going back to her homeland when she heard that God had bless the people of Judah. She encouraged her daughters-in-law to start their lives again as she does not have sons nor can she birth sons that would be able to marry them as it was then the culture of Israel but Ruth refused going back to her people, she followed Naomi back to her homeland while Orpah went to her people and stayed back in Moab.
Ruth made a vow to Naomi that she was more than committed to the God of Israel and she stood by her words. Her heart (act) of service, selflessness, sacrifice and love paid her in due season as we will soon find out.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
The key points in this post are Service and Selflessness. Let’s consider the definitive terms so it can guide our thoughts.
SERVICE: An action of helping or doing work for someone.
SELFLESSNESS: Concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than one’s own.
For anyone to demonstrate service and selflessness simply means that they are persons full of love and compassion.
THE OUTCOME OF RUTH’S CHARACTER: (SELFLESSNESS AND SERVICE)
- Ruth exuded the Love of God:
Ruth mirrored the exact nature of God which is LOVE. She was not self-seeking, rather she poured her love, herself and all she has into the life of Naomi. She saw Naomi through God’s eyes and was more than willing to be dedicated to her happiness, livelihood and progress. She manifested the true meaning of 1 Corinthians chapter 13.
Ruth was patient, kind, not proud, she did not lose faith, she was hopeful that all was going to be well. She was outrightly committed to Naomi. Let’s pause and look at this again, Ruth had all reasons to live her life afterall the man she was married to was no more but she had a higher understanding that she is a shining light and because she was there in Naomi’s life at that very point in time, things must work. Prov 4:18.
Friends, this is how our God wants us to live, to be compassionate, broken and shine as light wherever we find ourselves.
Ask yourself are you functioning as you should as light? When there is darkness, it becomes an advantage for you to flourish. Ruth understood this and it was counted for her as righteousness.
- Selflessness, Service and Sacrifice births Eternal Reward:
The books of the Bible contains 66 books and only 2 books were dedicated to two women, namely Esther and Ruth.
I thought about this and concluded that there was something different about these women that enabled the dedication of a whole book to their names.
My dearest women of worth, what will be said of us?
What legacy do we intend to leave?
Are we currently on a path to outlive our lives?
These and many more are the questions that we should consider if we are truly going to break the bias. We should be more concerned with setting the frontiers of great possibilities and potentials, setting the world on fire for Christ, commanding territories in the area of Government, Commerce, Finance, Technology and so on rather than staying plateau and feeding on the bread of mediocrity.
We are at times where the odds are in favour of women. It’s time to re-write history and leave our names in the sand of time. It is my prayer that the hall of fame awaits the Women of Worth and we will become all we are created to be in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
- Ruth’s selflessness attracted/commanded her mother in-laws’ commitment towards her:
When Scripture in Galatians 6:9 says “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.” , it is a means of encouragement by helping us keep our gaze on God as the true rewarder of those who diligently seek him.
Seeking God is an act of worship. Let’s not forget that worship can either be in our walk or work with God and this was vivid in the life of Ruth. Her character was an act of worship to God which in turn earned her the total and unwavering commitment from her mother-in-law.
Naomi was indebted to Ruth and was devoted to see her happy. Ruth’s singleness was of great concern to her and she started looking for strategy to get Ruth a husband and she did find that in the person of Boaz (Ruth 3:1-4).
- Ruth’s selflessness attracted and won her the heart of BOAZ:
Godly character and virtue attract people to us. There is no man that would not be attracted to a woman of virtue as we saw in the book of Ruth.
You see, BOAZ must have thought within himself that if Ruth could be kind and compassionate towards Naomi despite the fact that there was no attachment between them, infact what binded them together was long gone. But there was Ruth doing Naomi’s biddings ensuring that she lacked nothing and was ready to go to any extent to ensure Naomi was comfortable. Then it simply means that this Ruth is a godly woman and all the traits and attributes she exuded is simply her reality and definitely this one is for keep because he knows that with her in his life, he would enjoy peace.
Every man wants a peaceful, loving, kind, compassionate woman and Boaz found that in the person of Ruth and was not willing to let go. Even when he was in the know that there was a redeemer that was closer amongst the kindred, he was willing to do the needful. It so happened that the redeemer refused marrying Ruth and securing Elimelech’s land and that was a good opportunity for Boaz. The highlight of Boaz redeeming Ruth was a figurative expression of that which is to come (Christ redeeming us and reconciling us back to the Father). There are lots of spiritual implications tied to the account of Ruth, little wonder a chapter of the Bible was devoted to her name.
Dearly beloved, you see no one partners with the Lord and lose out. You cannot do the biddings of the Lord and he would not be committed to yours. Boaz marrying Ruth was God’s faithfulness to Ruth’s selflessness and service which came up as a memorial. The union between Ruth and Boaz produced a seed called Obed who became the father of Jesse and grandfather of David.
- Ruth’s Selflessness and Service secured her a place or granted her Access into the Genealogy of Christ:
Ruth became an essential character in the powerful recital of salvation woven through the Bible. Five women (Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, Tamar and Mary) were mentioned in the lineage of Christ and I can boldly say that none of these women got there by righteousness nor qualification. However, one thing was striking and evident in the lives of these women and that is Selflessness and Service.
To be selfless means to be sacrificial and this comes with some form of faith, love and hope. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. As a matter of fact, the book of Hebrews chapter 11 was dedicated to the heroes of faith. They had their reward for judging God faithful. Love is the greatest gift you can give to anyone on earth (1 Corinthians 13:13).
In these last days, we cannot overemphasize the place of character (selflessness and service) in every facet of life be it in Marriage, Corporate world, corridors of Power, Economics, Commerce etc. For talent and knowledge can take a man to the palace (top) but what sustains him at the top is character.
REFLECTION
From the story of Ruth, we can deduce or infer that it is possible to have a solid relationship with families and friends particularly with our in-laws and I will centre this on daughter and mother in-law relationship. Let’s break the bias by choosing to see good and positive in everything situation.
I think it’s time to change that narrative of women bringing down women and let’s try not to endorse one sided story in a bid to support our own. It could turn out to be the danger of listening to a single story. Of course, we can’t leave out the place of wisdom in human engagement and interaction, understanding emotional intelligence is equally critical.
You know, if we decide to have a positive perspective, it’s possible that the chaos or hullabaloo between daughter-in-law and mother in-law can be avoided if we choose to be the bigger person. And trust me, it’s impossible to show someone constant love and then the person wouldn’t come to the realization of their actions.
We might want to debate plausibly that Naomi must have been a good and giving person, that’s why it was easy for Ruth to be kind to her. On this premises, let’s consider the Word of God in Matthew 5:46 where our Lord Jesus admonished us to what end if we love those who loves us and hate those we consider hates us, how does that differentiate us from Pagan.
Dear Women of Worth, let’s dare and choose to break the bias of daughter-in-law and mother in-law shenanigans and embrace unrefined (pure) love on all side just like we saw in the anecdote of Ruth.
As much as we can, let’s shine as light wherever we find ourselves.
God loves you and so do I.
Selah.
Questions and Answers
Question 1: Where do you draw the line when you’re being taken for granted as a selfless and sacrificial woman? Also, what is your practical advice for a wife that has been constantly showing love to her in laws yet she’s paid with evil?
Answer
Biblical standard irrespective of whatever you are facing, is your mandate to continue doing good.
However, you don’t win people over by just your action, you do so by the combined power of your actions plus God’s help. God’s help comes through prayers. My candid advice is to keep praying, keep doing good and keep being you knowing fully well that the darkest part of the night is just before dawn. It will soon be morning!
Question 2: Having to cut off someone probably because they betrayed you or did you evil. Does it translate to not being ‘Loving’?
For instance, if I discover that a friend I love and cherish so much is going about saying evil things about me. Now, I want to stay away from that kind of friend. Is it the right response? Is it possible to stay away and yet retain the love I have for my friend?
Answer
Firstly, let’s establish that Jesus is the standard and by default we should function and act like Him. Jesus was tempted, betrayed by his friend, Judas Iscariot too.
Despite the betrayal, Jesus still loved him and He require same from us. We can study John chapter 13 to help us have a holistic view and also let’s ponder on Romans 12:17-21. That is God’s Word to us.
Contribution 1
Love is not what one can practice by mere determination. It’s an understanding that is gotten as a result of our walk with God.
Keep building that close relationship with Jesus. Some things that are not His will just start being replaced with godly characters. God is our strength.
Contribution 2
Just like our lecturer said, the Bible is our standard. And yes, we have to see what the Scripture says about the situation holistically.
So, let’s see a few scriptures:
Proverbs 12:22 — “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they they that deal truly are his delight.”
Proverbs 25:18- “A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.”
Psalm 64:2-5 – “Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity: Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words: That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not. They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, who shall see them?”
I have plenty Scriptures coming to mind but let me go straight to responding. If a friend offends you, you forgive, just as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.
However, if such friend continues to do evil or speak evil of you, stay away from him or her. Staying away should not be out of hatred, it’s a way to protect your mind from evil. Our minds should constantly be renewed by the Word of God and anything contrary should be put away.
In staying away, keep praying for such a person because God is interested in the person’s deliverance too. That praying for him or her keeps you walking in love. Walking in love should not translate to keeping the wrong company around you.
Jesus knew Judas would betray Him. All working towards God’s plan of salvation. Jesus didn’t push him away yet He didn’t make him part of His close circle. Wisdom is profitable to direct.
Contribution 3
We can’t shut out friends at the slightest provocation. Like my Pastor says, one thing that offences are meant to achieve in us is ‘growth’. To make us more tolerant and patient.
I pray God will help us to know when to shut out and when to take in and tolerate. And most importantly, He’ll fill our hearts with Love because, really, there’s no formula to these things. That’s why we have the Holy Spirit.
Some friends don’t need to offend you before you shut them off. You just feel within you that the friendship is not right.
Contribution 4
People fall out for number of reasons too, one of which is different values in what we hold dear.
If my values don’t align with another person’s I call a friend, we fall out. Not because I hate the person but the Bible already said in Amos 3:3 that “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”
If you ‘fall out’ (using this phrase for lack of a better one) with someone, check that your heart does not harbor any offence.
I once shared the story of my school friends who spoke ill about me in front of the whole hostel. These were people I ate with, slept in same room with, prayed with. Oh my, I was hurt but then, did we fall out? No! In fact, we are closer than before. Our values didn’t change, the devil just borrowed them that time plus they were immature.
Opinion 1
That verse where Jesus said what makes us different from others if we do good to only those who do us good is an eye opener for me every time I hit that passage.
Opinion 2
When we say someone spoke stuff about us, spoke ill of us, someone betrayed us, what’s the state of our own heart too?
I’ve come to accept that life is not black and white and sometimes people who claim that they’re betrayed or spoken about needs to check their hearts too. I’m not exonerating whatever the other person must have done but you laying the claims, what’s the state of your heart? Are you a good friend too? Did you consider the other person too?
Is it that you are so full of yourself that the other person’s feelings don’t matter?
In recent times, God has so dealt with me that I don’t even think of myself first. Because once the focus in all about you, you see everyone as your enemy. You see every situation as betrayal. You see hurt in every speech, hate in every situation, divide in every gathering. And then, even if you hear someone says you wore a red cap when you wore a maroon cap, you pick an offence and Boom; carry cutlass and start cutting people off literally.
Not saying people don’t hurt us, not saying we should be friends with everyone and definitely not saying we should not cut people off. But if that’s how people cut us off over every little thing we do, or we don’t offend people too? You think you’re so good and don’t have people who would like to cut you off their lives too?
Let Jesus be the focus, Let Him take the front seat, Let Him take the glory. The Scriptures says, be dead to flesh and alive to God. Until then, you won’t even live that Christian life because being a Christian is not just difficult, it is impossible unless you’re dead and alive in to God.
Also, let’s see good in people.
Topic: Ruth- An Example Of Service and Selflessness
Lecturer’s Name: Sonia Adama
Date Delivered: 23rd of March, 2022.