ruth: a man of standing (part 7)

Now Naomi had a relative on her husband's side, from the clan of Elimelech, a man of standing, whose name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, "Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor." Naomi said to her, "Go ahead, my daughter." So she went out and began to glean in the fields behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she found herself working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.

Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, "The LORD be with you!" "The LORD bless you!" they called back. (Ruth 2:1-4)

While studying this chapter of Ruth, I found Mr. Boaz very interesting. Notice that Boaz wasn't immediately in the fields that day. Scripture tells us that this "man of standing" arrived later - back from Bethlehem. Perhaps he had to go buy some supplies at the Bethlehem Depot? Perhaps he had monies to deposit at the First National Bank of Bethlehem? We don't know. The text doesn't share. But clearly it suggests that this man of standing was detained and likely conducting business in the city.

However, what is interesting is how Boaz enters the scene. I like best how J. Vernon McGee explains Boaz's conduct and character as he arrives for work. Here's what the old-time preacher said...

"Notice what he did when he got out there. He said to the reapers, "The Lord be with you." That's capital speaking. And they responded, "The Lord bless thee," and that's labor answering. Say, that doesn't sound like some of the labor leaders and capitalists of our day, does it? It doesn't sound like the steel workers or the steel owners either. Unfortunately, capital and labor both are very far from God today. Now, frankly, I am a poor preacher, and I'm not a capitalist. My dad was a working man. I remember him in overalls most of the time because he was a hard worker. I just can't sanction godless capitalism today. From listening to them, I get the impression that most of the labor leaders are very godless. I don't take sides today. I just wish that we could get something of real Christianity, the real born-again type, into this area. It would certainly help the relationship. You'd hear language like this. Capital: "The Lord be with you." And then labor answering: "The Lord bless thee." My, what a marvelous capital/labor relationship existed there in the fields of Boaz!" (Quoted from J.Vernon McGee's Radio Program, Thru The Bible)

What a difference our world would be if men of standing, like Boaz, stood up and acknowledged Christ in their day-to-day dealings. What a difference it would be if our politicians, business leaders, marketers, and celebrities took this concept seriously. Wouldn't our governments be different? Wouldn't our economies and business dealings find God's favor and be blessed? What if we, as God's people, only voted for such individuals? And if corruption set-in, what if we were bold enough to stand up and volunteer our own lives in order to set the correct example - humbly taking on the role as God's representative? What if we chose to only give our business and funds exclusively to those people and companies who were interested in serving God faithfully? If we actually did this, wouldn't our infrastructures resemble Heaven's economy a little more? If we all took the necessary time to acknowledge God first and obediently promote and follow His commandments in all areas of industry - what do you think that would do? Wouldn't it make all the difference in our world if we insisted and expected those in leadership to joyfully and ethically work with eternity in mind?

Why don't Christians insist on this? Why don't we expect men of standing to behave this way?

Ladies, there is nothing more attractive than a godly man - a man that follows God in every way. Men who obey our King's commands with joy. Men who do not live for the things of this life but rather for God's kingdom. I love seeing a godly man who willingly gives freely of all his resources and gladly suffers as a consequence of their faith. Such men always try to act justly and love mercy. They walk humbly with Jesus. These men do not swindle or defraud... they do not gossip or slander. They make the effort to keep their mind and heart pure - guarding their eyes and ears from filth and sin. Yes, such a man is sooo handsome! Why? Because WHO they represent (Jesus) is irresistible!!!

I love when a man embraces his role as the spiritual leader of his family. I love when such men strive to please God in all their actions. These are patient men who listen to others without judging. They offer scriptural guidance and counsel when necessary. They make a point to do all things through Christ who gives them their strength. These are the men we should be absolutely gaga over, ladies. These are the men we should spend all our energy promoting and lifting up.

Considering how many people acknowledge being "Christian" today, I am shocked that we, as devoted women - as helpmates, don't encourage more of our men to step up to the plate and openly share their faith in how they live and work. I'm astounded that we aren't doing all we can to inspire them to be more vocal and speak up publicly about living biblically. I am saddened that the idea of living to please God in ALL areas remains low on our priority list. Instead, we remain distracted by the lust of our own eyes, the pride of our own lives. But what has our selfishness cost us? What will our world look like when our children become men of standing?

Ladies, we can have awareness of biblical doctrines, we can know all the theological terms, we may be able to translate the Bible from the original Greek and so on, but the principle of Micah 6:8 stands true... we must live as Jesus' example and, as godly helpmates, encourage our men to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God - ALWAYS! Even in business. Even in politics. Even at home, in church, while watching television, while working on the computer, while doing anything! We, as women, were created to benefit and help man succeed. So, are you living a life that helps or hurts this effort?

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

The Lord be with you, ladies! The Lord bless you!

Blessings!

Blog Posting Written By Victoria Anderson