JUN 8

Ruth 1:18
Memorise Ruth 1:18
“…she was stedfastly minded to go with her…”

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION OF THIS PASSAGE?

Now that we have a better understanding of what this passage is about after studying it in greater depth over the past few days, it is now time to consider how we can apply it into our own lives.

Decision-making for a Christian can sometimes be very easy, when the choices are clear-cut. For example, if we are invited by a friend to go clubbing, we know that under no circumstances should we accept the invitation. If we forget to study for a test and the opportunity presents itself to copy a friend’s answers, we should never succumb to this temptation. In these instances, we know clearly that we must never make the choice that would lead us to sin. But the problem comes when it seems that neither choice is in itself wrong. This was the situation that Orpah found herself in. The arguments raised by Naomi to dissuade her daughters-in-law from following her were valid – it was impossible for her to provide them with new husbands to marry, nor was it likely that they would be able to enjoy a good and comfortable life if they were to stay with her. Hence, Orpah made the logical, common, though spiritually undiscerning choice to bid her mother-in-law goodbye and to remain in her homeland.

However, was this the best choice? Perhaps it was, in the world’s eyes, but not so in God’s eyes. By remaining in Moab, Orpah was also making the choice to return to her false gods (vs 15), rather than to seek after the God of Israel like Ruth had done. A seemingly okay decision turns out to be not that okay after all, when we consider the spiritual implications of it.

Often, we have to make choices that will take time off from doing spiritual activities. Sleep an additional half an hour so you can get more rest, or wake up earlier to do your quiet time? Spend the weekend resting and relaxing after a tough week at school, or spend the time serving God and participating in fellowship activities? Remember, dear teen, that it is not just about not doing things that are outright wrong for a Christian; rather, we should also be actively pursuing the things that are best for us spiritually. May you indeed be “stedfastly minded” like Ruth, to pursue only the things of God.

Thought: Obedience is more than just not doing the things we shouldn’t; it is also about doing the things we should.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a doer of Your Word, and not a hearer only.