Godly Discretion

Godly Discretion. As I pondered the verses shown above from Ruth 3, I realized that one of the things I love about the story of Ruth is the obvious Godly character evident in the lives of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz.

14 So she lay at his feet until morning, and she arose before one could recognize another. Then he said, “Do not let it be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” 15 Also he said, “Bring the shawl that is on you and hold it.” And when she held it, he measured six ephahs of barley, and laid it on her. Then she went into the city.
16 When she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “Is that you, my daughter?”
Then she told her all that the man had done for her. 17 And she said, “These six ephahs of barley he gave me; for he said to me, ‘Do not go empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’”
18 Then she said, “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day.”
Ruth 3:14-18, NKJV

Godly Discretion

As I pondered the verses shown above from Ruth 3, I realized that one of the things I love about the story of Ruth is the obvious Godly character evident in the lives of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. When so much evil abounds in our culture--especially the lack of discretion among the current populace--one is so greatly encouraged to know that the Godly discretion shown by Boaz is not an isolated event.

Look how carefully Boaz worked to protect the reputation of Ruth. He not only took care that her presence was not known by others, he also sent her home with six day's worth of barley. As she related everything that happened to Naomi, she was assured by her mother-in-law that Boaz would not rest until he had concluded the matter that same day.

As believers, how important is it that we show Godly discretion? We are not talking about just our outward appearance, but rather, how important is our attitude before God, Himself? I fear that in our culture we are so accustomed to the immoral lifestyle of our day that, in comparison, we conclude that our lives look pretty good before God. Let us remember that our comparisons are not to be made with other people, but rather, they need to be made with God! Our perfect, righteous, and holy God demands nothing less from His people.

Wait a minute! Does that mean that we cannot be a Christian if we are not perfect as God is perfect? In essence, yes! However, because we are creatures of sin, it is impossible for us to live perfectly before a righteous and holy God. What is the solution? The solution is found in none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. He did what we cannot do. He, as the God Man, lived a perfect and holy life without sin. As such, He was the only One who could take upon Himself all of the sins of His people and pay the great debt we owe.

That sounds too good to be true, does it not? Are we not told that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is not true? What an amazing God! When Adam and Eve sinned and brought condemnation to all of the human race, God already had a plan in place to redeem a people for Himself. If we have cast ourselves completely on Christ and have accepted Him as the only One who can pay the debt of our personal sins, we are saved--for all eternity!

The question may be asked, does that give us a license to sin? Because our sins are covered, can we not sin with utter abandonment? Truthfully, the true child of God is so utterly grateful for the debt Christ has paid that their love for Him consumes their heart and life. For the rest of their days, they seek to be obedient to His will and Word. Yes, we still sin, but we continually find ourselves coming to Christ, seeking forgiveness, and crying out for His help to keep us from sin.

The true believer is changed. Gone are the desires that once ruled our hearts and lives. In place, we have a great desire to love and serve God all of the days of our lives on this earth, and then in eternity with Him forever!

That is the heart we see in Boaz. Because He truly loved the Lord God above all others, he sought what was best for Ruth. As I look at my unmarried daughters, my advice to them is to find a man like Boaz. Find a man who loves God above all others, including Himself. That man will truly love His wife as Christ has loved His church.

Let us be encouraged as we see the Godly discretion in the life of Boaz. Let us pray that, by the grace of God, that same Godly discretion will rule in our hearts and lives as well.

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