Everyone Knows


"'The Lord bless you, my daughter!' Boaz exclaimed. 'You are showing more family loyalty now than ever by not running after a younger man, whether rich or poor. Now don't worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are an honorable woman.'" Ruth 3:10-11

Growing up, I spent a great deal of time during the summers at a Christian camp in Wisconsin. The camp director quickly became one of my heroes. He loved the Lord. He loved people. This was evident in his passion to see the two come together. He made no effort to draw attention to himself or prove his was a noble character. He just sought the Lord and did what he told him to do and his reputation took care of itself.

Ruth and Boaz were just such people. Noble and unpretentious. Neither one was forced to extend themselves for others. They just did. No one would have had a second thought if they would have simply done what everyone else would have done particular at this time in the history of Israel. Everyone was doing what they thought was right in their own eyes, but they chose to do what was right in the Lord's eyes.

We have a wonderful opportunity today to make a difference. Everyone we lock eyes with represents a chance to love them in the name of Jesus. A smile, an encouraging word, a helpful gesture, or simply a listening ear. All are expressions of love. All speak to a noble character. When we love, when we put others first, when we daily follow Jesus, we will leave behind a legacy which we will never regret. 

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