Topic: How are you known by the people around you?
Bible Reading: Ruth 3-4; Luke 8:26-56.
Memory Verse: “And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.” Ruth 3:11 (KJV).
RUTH decided to follow her mother in-law to her abode despite having lost her husband and having no child! She had the option to go and get married to another man and begin a new life but she chose to support her mother in-law, though the latter had lost hope and did not even encourage her. But not only did she decide to follow her mother in-law, she was obedient to her completely and was also chaste such that the city people noticed her. This is why she was able to attract the right blessing meant for her. Boaz said of her in Ruth 3:11 (KJV), “And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.”
How well do you follow the word of God in your daily living? Can God who sees and knows everything say concerning you that you are an obedient disciple? Do you do all things knowing that God sees you and knows your motive for every action? How do you treat your neighbours, colleagues and subordinates?
While it is good to go out and preach the gospel to others so that they can accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, the most effective evangelism is your way of life. Are you morally upright in all you do? Are you fair in your day to day activities? Do you seek peace with all people and communities around you and do you exhibit love to them? The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NKJV), “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; [5] does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;” Are these words descriptive of you or your opposite? There is need to ensure you exhibit these virtues and more to people around you. These behavioural pattern will show people you are truly a child of God and will influence a lot more people in your neighbourhood, though some may envy you. However, your love will overcome their envy.
When you do this, a number of your neighbours may try to take advantage of your love to exploit you, you need to ensure you fellowship with the Holy Spirit regularly in order to have the discerning Spirit so that God can guide you the way you should go at all times; that way God will make a way for you. That is why morality without Christ may breed crisis. God says in Psalm 32:8 (KJV), “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” So stay in touch with God at all times.
Prayer point: Father please give me the grace to live a life patterned after Christ for the rest of my life in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero