*Photo Credit: Pinterest
Is what he sees in you what he will get?
More importantly, is what you see actually the woman that you are?
This isn’t a rhetorical question. I actually asked myself this very thing. After studying the book of Ruth for the past two years, I’ve fallen madly in love with this amazing story of redemption.
I would try to fashion my own life after Ruth. Keeping my head down, working hard, and following the guidance of Naomi. Now, I’m left at a place of asking myself, “what separates me from Ruth?”
Other than the fact that she was a part of the genealogy of Jesus, the major factor is an issue of the heart.
Ruth was obedient to what she was told to do. However, because of my own upbringing, I struggle with obeying people. Often, I would prefer just to rely on myself. But, I suppose this is not a very “Ruth” thing to do. Nonetheless, this opened the door to much more self-evaluation. More questions to ask myself I looked into this mirror of a story.
Mirror, mirror #1: “How do you expect to serve in ministry, or even submit to your husband if you’re always trying to flex your muscle of independence?”
Answer: I need to get over myself. I need to put my pride to death.
For those that would prefer a biblical reference, I share with you Proverbs 16:18:
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Mirror, mirror #2: “Are you more interested in how you look doing the work, or is your focus more on actually getting it done?”
*Photo Credit: TaraPerevarukha
I can’t help but to think of the first time Ruth met Boaz. Ruth was out working hard in the fields, doing difficult labor. This is obviously not an easy job and Ruth wouldn’t have looked like the ideal “easy breezy Cover Girl” afterwards.
But her reputation preceded her. Boaz already knew of her character before he met her, and more importantly before she knew it.
Do I like to look nice and take care of myself? Yes, of course! As do most girls.
But the question to ask myself is “do I place this above making sure my heart issues are checked at the door?”
Hence, the problem.
I already hear your question.
Now that I recognize the issue, have I perfected making this change?
Of course not, I’m still under construction but that is what our walk with Christ is all about.
It’s not just initially coming to Jesus, but it is also continuing to grow in salvation by removing the old and replacing it with the new.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ” // Romans 12:2.
Today, I challenge you to take a good hard look in the mirror, yourself.
What areas of your life do you need to work on? Do you have the courage to be open and honest? To admit your weaknesses that you might grow strong?
