Today’s Reading, Ruth 1-4
Focal Scripture: Ruth 2:1 “Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side. He was a prominent man of noble character from Elimelech’s family. His name was Boaz.”
Reputation and character are often overlooked traits, but they are very important. I am reminded of that even more today, since a man with noble character went home to be with the Lord this past weekend. This man had a character that was unrivaled by the majority of people in the world. He was soft spoken, kind, patient, and full of godly wisdom. This man also treated everyone with respect. He never spoke ill of another human in my presence. Most importantly, he loved the Lord and served him faithfully. He is the type of person that everyone should try to be like.
In today’s reading we catch up with Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. Three very important characters who played a pivotal role in the birth of Jesus, they just didn’t know it at the time. Even though the book is named Ruth, I believe that Boaz is the primary character of the story. Boaz from the start is trying to do the right thing in every situation. He wants to serve Ruth by respecting her as a person. He even denied his wants because there might be a closer relative to redeem her and her family. Boaz constantly showed his noble character.
What type of reputation do you have and does it inspire others to live and do better with their lives? I have been alive long enough to know that character is not valued by every person. Character is also not triumphed as a trait to be aspired to in one’s life.
The challenge I have for you today is to ask yourself if you are a person of character. Who are you when nobody is looking? How do you treat people when life does not go your way? Do you act one way in front of one group of people and then turn around and behave differently? If you do, than you don’t have good character.
I hope and pray that you are aware enough to make your character one of the top priorities of your life. Your reputation should make much of Jesus and demonstrate the same qualities the scriptures describe about of a God fearing person. The world needs to see biblical character that puts truth and love above skill and talent.
Be known as a person of noble character more than you are known for anything else. It matters it in the world and our churches.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 1 Samuel 1-3
