Yesterday, I was at my oldest niece's birthday party. We all had a great time celebrating her life and the blessing she is to us.
Now, what if I had not followed the respectable expectations for a guest at a birthday party, for an aunt, and even for my age? What if I had made it all about me through complaining or making a big scene? What if I had acted like a child, refusing any responsibility? What if I focused on things besides both of my nieces? Things wouldn't have been so fun.
So, why did I act respectively? I love my niece.
The world tries to convince us that we don't have to act according to respectful expectations - that we can make everything about ourselves, speak negatively of others whenever we feel like it, or break rules if it fits our own ideals - but then ridicule those who aren't being respectful of others. This fills us with confusion and chaos.
There are specific times when we need to stand up and fight against expectations or rules that are unjust and Biblically wrong. We have to do this with grace and respect for other humans, whom God loves and created.
We can know when to act and be respectful by following near to God. He will show us how and in what circumstances we need to break expectations. Furthermore, as we come close to God, our love for Him will encourage us to follow and respect godly expectations and rules.
The time was nearing for when Ruth wouldn’t be able to work in the fields anymore. It was then, that Naomi decided to encourage Ruth to pursue a traditional custom. Since Boaz was related to Ruth’s late husband, he had a responsibility to help the man’s family. Naomi mentored Ruth on what to do to politely ask Boaz to carry this out. Once Ruth respectfully followed all her instructions, Boaz agreed to help, but said that there was a closer relative that had the right to help before him. He told Ruth that he would ask the man if he would fulfill his responsibility, and, if not, Boaz promised to do it. In the end, Boaz kept his promise by marrying Ruth and taking care of her and Naomi.
Four ways to be more respectful are: One, find a godly mentor. It could be a mom, a woman from church, or even a Christian counselor. Whoever it is should have Biblical values and be able to encourage one, gracefully and respectfully, toward a godly life. They will help us see things that we want to rebel against from a different angle and can make them seem not as scary. Two, value instructions and rules. This is why we need to be active in allowing God to renew our minds, He can open our eyes to their importance. Three, remember that it’s a way to show love. In fact, we share God’s love when we respect people, especially when it’s toward those that hurt, hate, or disagree with us – God has called us to respect everyone. Four, pursue close relationships with people who act respectfully. The people we surround ourselves with have an impact on how we act. Pick people who value and respect God, His Word, and, because of that, everyone else.
Here’s how not to apply respect: Take matters into your own hands – When someone says they’ve got something or to wait, instead of doing it anyway, show respect for them by believing them. Spend more time making yourself look good than you do growing in your respect for God – Someday, your outward beauty is going to fade, so use more of your time to nurture your love for God and His callings on your life. Speak wickedly or foolishly – You can’t practice respect while gossiping, backstabbing, giving bad advice, or verbally tearing down others.
God’s Guidance:
Ruth 3:1-4 (NIV) – “One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for. Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.””
Ruth 3:5-6 (NIV) – ““I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do.”
Ruth 3:9-11 (NIV) – ““Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.” “The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.”
Ruth 3:18 (NIV) – “Then Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.””
Ruth 4:9-10 (NIV) – “Then Boaz announced to the elders and all the people, “Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelek, Kilion and Mahlon. I have also acquired Ruth the Moabite, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from his hometown. Today you are witnesses!””
Ruth 4:15-17 (NIV) – “He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.”
Proverbs 13:13 (NIV) – “Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, but whoever respects a command is rewarded.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NIV) – “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
Romans 13:1-2 (NIV) – “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
1 Peter 2:17 (NIV) – “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
Proverbs 31:23 (NIV) – “Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.”
Proverbs 31:30 (NIV) – “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Proverbs 31:26 (NIV) – “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
Application:
1. Read Ruth chapters 3-4, that’s about 7 verses a day
2. Ask God to do a work in your heart to help you to value His instruction on how to live a life that pleases Him
3. Memorize and quote Proverbs 31:26 any time you feel tempted to disrespect others with your words
Strength Point:
Absorbing more of God and less of the world is vital to seeing His ways as better than our own.
Song of the Week:
Reflection Question:
What hinders you from wanting to be respectful?
Prayer Prompt:
Hi Jesus! Thank You for the life of Ruth. You instruct me in how to live, and kindly include examples of people in Your Word as part of the learning process. I’m sorry for, at different times, rebelling against You, Your values, and __. Let Ruth’s story encourage me to live respectfully. Teach me to respect the things that are good and pleasing to You and turn away from what is evil. I want to live in the way that You say to, Lord. Please send me people who will mentor and support me the way that I need it, just as Naomi did for Ruth. Help me to have more respect for You and what You value. Remind me that I’m not trying to gain respect for myself, but that others might respect You more as I act respectfully. Thank You for valuing and loving me! You deserve everyone’s total respect. I love You, God! In Jesus’ Name, I pray, amen.
A Prayer to Pray over Others:
Hi Jesus! Thank You for the life of Ruth. You instruct us in how to live, and kindly include examples of people in Your Word as part of the learning process. Help my friend to stop rebelling against You, Your values, and what You’ve asked them to do. Let Ruth’s story encourage them to live respectfully. Teach my friend to respect the things that are good and pleasing to You and turn away from what is evil. Help them to want to live in the way that You say to, Lord. Please send my friend people who will mentor and support them the way that they need it, just as Naomi did for Ruth. Help them to have more respect for You and what You value. Remind my friend that, in doing these things, they’re not trying to gain respect for themselves, but that others might respect You more as they act respectfully. Thank You for valuing and loving us! You deserve everyone’s total respect. I love You, God! In Your Name, Jesus, I pray, amen.
March is Women’s History Month! Celebrate with us by listening to these uplifting ladies: Terrian, Kari Jobe, Wande, Courtnie Ramirez, and Charity Gayle.
Commentaires