FAMOUS WORDS. Ruth 1:16-17. And Ruth said, “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.” These famous heartfelt words from a woman leaving home were not spoken at her wedding but after her husband's death. Three tearful women were on the road, saying their final goodbyes. One looked back, while the other two looked ahead with faith-filled, hopeful eyes.
There comes a time in every life when important choices are made that affect many people. Not the small daily decisions to provide for our daily bread, but a once-in-a-lifetime choice that changed my history. We often look to others to make these decisions, but I must make this one myself. Who am I going to follow: the majority or just one? Ruth knew Naomi was not a perfect woman, but she recognized what the Lord had done. Ruth saw enough evidence to believe that she was one who truly trusted that God was her God, and she knew where she was headed when she left this place.
Ruth may have thought, “Where am I going to live? I have nothing to buy a home or pay someone to build a shelter where I can stay. But I will live with her who truly knows her God and the God she has learned to trust. I will trust Him to be my Lord. The past is over; I am not going back there to stay. When I left the land of darkness, I chose to go to the light of day and live in the light of God’s word. I know it won't be easy to start life all over again, but if Naomi, whom I follow, can do it, I can also depend on the Lord. A person who trusts God knows He will not disappoint. The faith that seemed so small at first is now my own. I have learned that God is easy to trust; He has a plan laid out for me. When I walk each day by faith in Him, I will be able to see His will.”
In our society today, people do not see themselves as part of a community or collective, but rather as individuals living in the same area. Self-awareness and self-fulfillment become priorities when we put our own interests above the common good. “Me” and “now” influence how many live today by focusing on themselves and either forgetting or ignoring others. Self-centeredness has taken hold of people in our country.
God intends His people to be different from those who live for themselves. Self-denial, not self-indulgence, is what He desires from us. Self-sacrifice is much more valuable in those whose genuine commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ is reflected in their lives.
Ruth chose a different path from Oprah. Oprah said farewell to Naomi and went back to her old life. Ruth kept Naomi as a symbol of loyalty and stayed close to her. Her dedication was clear and could not be misunderstood. Oprah simply followed Naomi's instructions. Ruth’s loyalty was deeper than just words; it was a strong commitment. Oprah succumbed to Naomi’s pressure to return to her people. Ruth, on the other hand, refused to yield to peer pressure.
Initially, especially when a person is young, the desire to be accepted by peers is very strong. We don't want to seem outdated, strange, foolish, or different from the accepted norms of our age group or culture. Later, as we grow older, what once brought us acceptance and happiness might become embarrassing because it now seems trivial or because it looks different to someone who has started to value the more important things in life.
Ruth rejected Naomi’s first plea for her to return to Moab with a firm statement, “Intreat me not…” Then she clearly expressed her personal devotion to Naomi. She went on to state plainly that she was cutting ties, including her nationality, religion, and family connections. This was a much deeper commitment than what is common today. Ruth’s words resonate with conviction and wholehearted dedication. There was no compromise; she severed all links to her past life.
The lesson is clear for us as Christians: we cannot mix what belongs to the world with what belongs to God. We cannot serve God, money, spiritual light, darkness, truth, and compromise all at the same time. Anyone who lets anything replace the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives is “not worthy” of being His disciple. Family loyalty is important, as are other genuine responsibilities we have while living as strangers and pilgrims in this world. Still, these things must not be more important than our commitment to the Lord.
Ruth’s commitment and faithfulness to serve were lifelong. She wasn’t going back to Moab after Naomi died. Her promise was for the rest of her life. Her commitment was total, with no exceptions. When such a commitment to serve and follow the Lord is made, it is not a quick decision made on the spur of the moment. It requires a steady, calm, and unwavering move forward, focusing on what lies ahead rather than what is behind. Such a commitment is unshakable, determined, and carefully thought out in terms of cause and effect.
Faithfulness in serving the Lord and His people is a lifelong dedication. There will always be difficult times and tasks in faithful service, but also moments of great satisfaction and joy. Our greatest joy is knowing that our Lord is pleased and that “our children walk in the truth.” No one can truly object to a sincere, righteous devotion to what pleases God. Such a commitment always rings true and can withstand criticism and disagreement. Genuine commitment is clear and authentic, though it might set a servant apart because it is not very common among people.