What a Character

Scripture: Ruth 3 Key Verse: 3:10-11
Boaz replied, "May the LORD bless you, my daughter. This lat kindness--that you didn't go after the younger men, whether rich or poor -- is better than the first. Don't be afraid, my daughter. I will do whatever you say. The whole town knows that you are a woman who has strength of character."

Objective:
Naomi tells Ruth what to do to get the attention of Boaz. Boaz goes to sleep after a night of drinking and eating. Ruth uncovers his feet and then lies there next to them. He awakes to find her there and she asks to be covered and taken care of. He says he will ask her relative to do it, and if he doesn't do it Boaz will do it himself.

Application:
This passage is interesting. I don't quite understand the reasoning behind the uncovering of his feet and laying down on or near them. But what I do see is two people who have amazing character. Boaz could have easily taken advantage of this situation. He woke up to find a young woman in his sleeping area. Ruth could have taken advantage of Boaz to get what she wanted.

Character is huge for these two people. It should be huge for all of us. Regardless of God we should liv our lives so that people will say there is someone of has strength of character. But how much more important is it to represent the Almighty Lord in such a way that people know who God is by only seeing you. When I became a youth pastor the officiating pastor asked me if I was ready to live my life beyond reproach. This is something we should all ask ourselves if we are a follower of Christ. There have been plenty of Christian role-models who have fallen down on the job for one reason or another, but I would wager a guess that it was mainly because they took there eye off that which they were modeling. We need to cling to God so that we can let him shine through us.

Prayer:
Lord I know that I will fall short, that is why you paid the price, but help me to represent you in the best way I can. Help me be a person of strong character and own up to my mistakes. Help me live my life beyond reproach. Lord raise of a generation of Christ-Followers that will show the world who you truly are.