The Right Thing

"Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. 'Why are you being so kind to me?' she asked. 'I am only a foreigner.' 'Yes, I know,' Boaz replied. 'But I also know about the love and kindness you have shown your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully.'" Ruth 2:10-12
 
If your world is anything like mine, there are no shortages of options as to what to do and where to go.  Choices have to be made.  After all, we cannot do everything.  My wife and I have a "go to" question that helps us sort through the options.  Very simply, "What is the right thing to do?"  We try to set aside our wants, preferences and assumed limitations and seek God for the answer to the question.  We don't always get it right by any stretch of the imagination, but more often than not, we drive away from places and activities filled with peace that we had simply done the right thing.

The story of Ruth and Boaz stand as a testament to "right thing" living.  Neither one of them chose the easy or comfortable path.  They did, however, choose the right path.  Their story ended with great blessing and joy, but doing the right thing doesn't guarantee such results ... this side of heaven.  Choosing the right thing is about God's Kingdom not our comfort.  

Today, all of us are going to be making decisions.  We have options before us - the good, the bad and the ugly.  Sorting through them can be quite stressful as each one carries consequences.  One of the greatest sources of strength when we begin to experience the consequences of our choices is the confidence that we had simply done the right thing.  No regrets.

Grace and Peace,

Tom

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