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PROVIDENCE AND THE PROFIT OF DILIGENCE (4)
FRIDAY, JULY 26
Ruth 2:18-23

Acts 20:32-35; 1 Timothy 5:3-8

 

“…let them learn first

to shew piety at home…”

 

PROVIDENCE AND THE PROFIT OF DILIGENCE (4)
 
Ruth returned home to Naomi at the end of her day’s work with the rewards of her diligence. She had the diligence and commitment to labour the whole day, having received favour. She had the mind to be careful with the fruit of her labours and to beat what she had gleaned. She also had the heart to remember and care for her mother-in-law who had stayed at home the whole day. It is very necessary for us to work hard and diligently, but after we have laboured and received the fruit of our labour, it is equally necessary to ensure that nothing is lost or squandered, and that our families are catered for.
 
“…and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned…” (Ruth 2:18). The profit blesses not only the labourer who works with commitment, but also those of his household. The Bible clearly presents the believer’s duty to offer support to those who are (i) weak and needy, and dependent on the hardworking believer (Acts 20:34; Eph 4:28); (ii) ministers and labourers in the Word of God serving among the believers who need sustenance (Gal 6:6; 1 Tim 5:17-18); and (iii) fellow believers and of the household of faith who may be in need of help and assistance (Gal 6:10; James 2:15-16). We work hard not because we are selfish or caught up in the pursuit of worldly profit, but rather because we can be channels for God to use to bless others. What Ruth had gleaned and went home to Naomi with, was a testimony of God’s grace and providence over her.
 
“…and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed” (Ruth 2:18). The love, care and generosity Ruth showed to Naomi is also seen in the fact that she brought to Naomi the parched corn that was left of what she had eaten at mealtime. She had been offered a meal, but she did not eat and indulge herself to hinder her work of gleaning. She had been mindful and thoughtful of her mother-in-law back at home and ate what sufficed her, and brought what was left of the portion that was given her to eat for her mother-in-law.
 
THOUGHT: Putting God first in life means being responsible in life.

PRAYER: Grant me faith to trust Thee, and grace to obey Thee, fully.

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