SCRIPTURE
1 Samuel 16:7 But
the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I
have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them.
People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (NLT)
THOUGHTS
I've been seeing a lot of images lately of the difference between what a woman says she wants in a man versus what she goes for versus how she looks when trying to get them. Then I see the same thing for males. Its amazing just how much we have been brainwashed into thinking that sex, money and demeaning oneself is the way to find a significant other. We do everything outside of going to God. And even still, it seems like we don't even know what to look for.
Men and Women today have a distorted concept of who
they are supposed to be and what their greatest lure[asset] is. God
gave us distinct roles and traits designed to work together in harmony.
So let’s talk about what these lures are.
Last month we focused on Women... now lets talk about the Men.
TRUE CHARACTER (Part 2)
Men, I am here to let you know that your greatest lure is not how famous you are, being rich with a bunch of cars or any of the sorts. Your greatest lure falls under TRUE LOVE.
First we must know the different between love and lust. Lust is taking advantage of someone for your own gain, often to the hurt of others. Love is denying yourself for the good of others. This is the basis of a man's lure. There are four points to consider and as we do, we venture back into the book of Ruth and take a look at Boaz:
1. Protector:
Boaz
went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with
us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right
behind the young women working in my field. See
which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I
have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are
thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.” Ruth 2: 8-9 (NLT)
Boaz provided protection for Ruth while she worked in his field. Since widows were at the mercy of whomever they came in contact with, for Ruth to go out and be willing to work was a very dangerous situation. Boaz immediately warned his men not to mess with her and told her to stay within his field.
When
Ruth went back to work again, Boaz ordered his young men, “Let her
gather grain right among the sheaves without stopping her. And
pull out some heads of barley from the bundles and drop them on purpose
for her. Let her pick them up, and don’t give her a hard time!” Ruth 2 :15-16 (NLT)
2. Provider
Not only did Boaz protect her, but he gave her a way so that she and Naomi could have food. He provided for her, even on the threshing floor:
Then Boaz said to her, “Bring your cloak and spread it out.” He measured six scoops of barley into the cloak and placed it on her back. Then he returned to the town. When Ruth went back to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, “What happened, my daughter?”Ruth told Naomi everything Boaz had done for her, and she added, “He gave me these six scoops of barley and said, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” Ruth 3: 16-17 (NLT)
He didn't flaunt money in front of her, or fancy clothes, or show her how much he had. He didnt shower her with the finest he had... he simply gave her what she needed, food. And he did it not being boastful, or to show off, he did it out of kindness.
3. Affirmation
Boaz continually reassured Ruth of how he felt about her.
“Yes,
I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done
for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how
you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among
complete strangers. May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” Ruth 2: 11-12 (NLT)
“The Lord
bless you, my daughter!” Boaz exclaimed. “You are showing even more
family loyalty now than you did before, for you have not gone after a
younger man, whether rich or poor. 11 Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman. Ruth 3: 10-11 (NLT)
One of the things I see a lot of today is that men feel like they cannot express their emotions. Love is an ACTION word, and recurring affirmations are a vital part of a woman's comfort. Boaz wasn't shy about telling Ruth how awesome he felt she was! And I'm sure it made Ruth so much more comforted as she worked in his fields.
4. Honor
Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman. But while it’s true that I am one of your family redeemers, there is another man who is more closely related to you than I am. Stay
here tonight, and in the morning I will talk to him. If he is willing
to redeem you, very well. Let him marry you. But if he is not willing,
then as surely as the Lord lives, I will redeem you myself! Now lie down here until morning.” So
Ruth lay at Boaz’s feet until the morning, but she got up before it was
light enough for people to recognize each other. For Boaz had said, “No
one must know that a woman was here at the threshing floor.” Ruth 3: 11-14 (NLT)
Boaz wakes to find a beautiful woman laying at his feet, at night, alone. Now if this was any type of movie in today's society we can all guess what would have happened throughout the night. But alas Boaz honored Ruth by NOT taking advantage of her. Even more he prevented a stigma onto her name by making sure she left before anyone could see her. And he told her not to worry.
The interesting part is, throughout all these four aspects of a Man's True Character, they all add up to the man taking the lead. Being the leader, and doing what is right and necessary no matter what the situation. When the bible talks about Men being the head of the household, it is because a Man has the TRUE CHARACTER to do it! And a woman who is living under a man that is doing these things for her... plus heeding to God's Will, doesn't seem like a bad deal to me :)
PRAYER
Dear Lord let us be men and women who show the true character that You made us to show. Not only for our blessings but because we are your representatives here on Earth and showing true character makes us role models for others. Let us grow more like you. Continue to guide and direct us. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Till Next Time
God Bless
Amanda of Astria Legends
9:55 AM |
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comments
Comments (3)
Amen. I had heard a pastor talking once about the book of Ruth and he explained that in the culture of that day Ruth lying at Boaz’s feet was a symbolic gesture of her request for his protection and provision.
So much to think about in there, Amanda. Thanks so much. I may have to get Ruth out and read it again.
What a wonderful word from you, today, Amanda! True character is so much more important than all those worldly possessions a man may have.
And, like Sue Runyon, I'm also going to have to read the book of Ruth again.