Do nothing out of selfish ambition … not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others Phil. 2:3-4

In this world of ‘me first’ mentality, it is refreshing to meet someone who is thoughtful and considerate – someone who is kind and selfless enough to pause and think, in the busyness of this world, about the welfare and interest of others. It is almost therapeutic to come into the presence of someone who loves enough to lay his self interests aside for the sake of another. That is what makes the story of Naomi and Ruth in the old testament book of Ruth so captivating and enthralling; a book worth studying and learning from.

            Consider for a moment, the relationship of those two widows. Ruth had given up everything in her world for the sake of her mother-in-law, Naomi. She had come to Bethlehem with Naomi and into a new relationship with Naomi’s people and her God (Ruth 1:16-22). She had taken the initiative to find food for the home (2:1-23). God, in His mercy and grace, had led her to the field of Boaz, a relative of Elimelech, her dead father-in-law. A relationship had been established, and provision for the home had moved from critical to some normalcy. Naomi might have been very happy and content with the presence of Ruth. Why then would she think about getting a husband for Ruth, knowing the possibility of losing her services?  But that was exactly what Naomi did (3:1-18). Instead of thinking about herself alone, she thought about Ruth’s future, a young woman and a widow in a foreign land, and so she sought a husband for her. More than that, Naomi had a better claim on Boaz as a kinsman redeemer, and was probably within the same age group as Boaz. Regardless, she suggested Boaz to Ruth and taught her how to make him notice her.  (2-4). Naomi gave up everything to secure a husband and a future for Ruth. By her thoughtfulness and self-sacrifice, she gave Ruth a new life.

            It is a perfect picture of the self-emptying of our Lord Jesus Christ for our sake. Out of love, Christ laid aside all His prerogatives as God and condescended to our level to save us (Phil. 2:5-8). He did this through His self-sacrifice and cruel death on the Cross, and His resurrection from the dead. That is why we, like Ruth, have received new life in Christ. Having done this for us, Jesus commands us to show the same love for one another as evidence that we are His disciples (Jn. 13:34, 35). But, do we sacrifice our self interests for the sake of others as He has done for us (Phil. 2:3, 4)?

            This week, take a few minutes to consider your relationship with others and the Gospel. See how you are doing in your marriage when it comes to self-sacrifice; with the maid or relative serving in your home, in your Christian service, on your job, in your community and nation. Above all, see how well you are doing when it comes to giving up some comforts for the sake of the lost around the world? You may not be able to go personally, but you can deny yourself of some things, so that you can give generously towards evangelism and world outreach.