Ruth 1:6

New International Version

When Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there.

For Encouragement

A critical test of our Christian life is our impact on people and our environment. Take the example of a Youth Pastor, much loved by his congregation, who was preparing to leave the church for another city. As he was saying his goodbyes, a church member made a comment that shocked him. She observed the joy with which the pastor worked with the youth on a program and remarked that some would find it difficult to attend church when he leaves. To the pastor’s strong objection, the lady explained. “I know we don’t come to church because of you. But you know, when you observe the quality of life of some people, it is encouraging and easier to serve God”. The pastor testifies how conscious he became of his Christian walk because he recognized his influence and impact on the lives of others he may never know.

God desires a Christian life that serves as a powerful witness to His grace and love. A life devoid of godly influence on others is like a cloud without rain. Our Christian lives are the most potent tools for sharing the Gospel, as shown by the lives of Naomi and Paul. Our Christian witness is the visible evidence of our faith, the way we live our lives and treat others, which can inspire others to seek God.

Mothers-in-law often do not make the best friends with their daughters-in-law. Instead of seeing the good in each other, they always see the worst. However, there was something different between Naomi and Ruth (Ruth 1:1-22). The godliness and strength of Naomi’s character when she lived through the tragic loss of her husband and two sons (3-5) so challenged Ruth that she resolved to make Naomi’s God her God (vs. 6). What a remarkable story!

Paul and Silas made the same impression on the Philippian jailor. When the jailor realized that Paul and Silas had remained in their prison cell after the earthquake had ‘released’ them at that midnight hour when they sang praises to God, the jailer became convinced of their witness and convicted of his sinfulness and need for salvation (Acts 16:25-31). Even more surprising was the situation of the other prisoners. They were heathen and could have bolted away then, but they didn’t. The joy of Paul and Silas had the right influence on them (25). Naomi, Paul, and Silas lived that way because they knew the One True God, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

As a child of God, your influence in the Gospel enterprise is paramount. Are you an asset, like Naomi and Paul, or a liability? Consider your testimony when you stand before the judgment seat of Christ. These are noble considerations that should guide our actions as we walk with Jesus.

Prayer

Dear God, please help me to be a Naomi or Paul and Silas for Jesus and the Gospel. Amen.