RIGHTEOUS LIVING IN THE MIDST OF CHOICES

Introduction

We face choices every day. Pepsi or Coke? Turn the AC on or open the windows? Mexican or pizza? Clemson or Carolina? Perhaps that last one is not a choice, but we have choices every day. These are all relatively insignificant. Other choices carry greater gravity. Do I take this job and move my family? Do I go ahead with a risky procedure? Do I commit to a relationship with this person?

We all face choices. And we all make choices. The choice not to make a choice is a choice itself. But what drives our choices? With regards to Mexican or pizza, we may have a hunger for something spicy, and that drives our selection of the food. Or, we may be able to have a better salary, and so the move is decided.

What drives our choices is, in most cases, more important than the choice itself. If we are believers, we basically have two motivations: the motivation of the flesh or of the Spirit (Gal. 5:16-18). We are either driven by our base and sinful desires or we are driven by the God-honoring Spirit. The results of these are evident in most examples.

The man bent on sexual pleasure may lead his family to destruction. The lady eager for material wealth may choose a career without considering the location of a church. The child may disobey the parent in order to enjoy the high.

When driven by the Spirit, our choices often bring life and encouragement, and always glory to God. Our choice in a good church provides spiritual nourishment. Our decision to marry a godly individual provides bliss and sweet fellowship.

Ruth, just like us, experienced many choices in her life. We have already seen her make some incredible choices in the midst of severe trials. The choice to leave her people and go with Naomi back to Israel was significant, but it also provided more choices.

Ruth chapter two offers a glimpse into Righteous Living in the Midst of Choices. Over and over again, we see Ruth being metaphorically led by the Spirit. We can, if we are willing to listen and follow, also learn how to live righteous in the midst of choices.

I. RUTH’S CHOICES WERE BASED ON THE WORD OF GOD- Ruth 2:1-2

Ruth made choices based on the Word of God. Chapter two begins in a rather innocuous way, a brief statement regarding Naomi’s relative named Boaz. The author of Ruth introduces this man as a “worthy man,” referring to either his stature in military regards or of his character. I believe the context points more to the character of this man as he will demonstrate in this and the subsequent chapters.

Ruth informs Naomi that she is going to glean in the fields “in whose sight I shall find favor.” Now, you may notice that Scripture is no where referenced.

II. RUTH’S CHOICES DEMONSTRATE THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD- Ruth 2:3-7

III. RUTH’S CHOICES RESULTED IN GOD’S BLESSINGS- Ruth 2:8-16

IV. RUTH’S CHOICES DEMONSTRATED MATURITY- Ruth 2:17-23