Honor and Integrity

"Now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence. Now it is true I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I. Remain this night, and when morning comes, if he will redeem you, good; let him redeem you. But if he does not wish to redeem you, then I will redeem you, as the Lord lives. Lie down until morning." Ruth 3.11-13

The book of Ruth has been a little difficult to blog through when it comes to masculinity. Yesterday's post was not easy, and I am struggling with today's as well. But even in a book that focuses on a woman, we can still learn about what God has called a man to be.

Boaz and Ruth clearly have some chemistry. She caught his eye the first time he saw her, and he has done everything he can to take care of her and Naomi. Now there is talk of marriage. Boaz is a close relative and can redeem Ruth, but there is a catch, he is not the closest living relative. Rather than simply overlooking the matter, Boaz seeks to do what is right. He will offer the closest relative the option of marrying Ruth. I'm sure he wasn't thrilled with the reality of the situation, he risked losing this woman to another man.

Boaz knew from the beginning that he was not the closest living relative, and yet he does so much for Ruth and Naomi, that really he didn't have to do. This other man should have been taking care of them, but wasn't. After all that Boaz had done, this other relative could come in and take everything he had invested in. Knowing this Boaz does it anyway. He shows honor in his care for Ruth and Naomi, and integrity in allowing the other relative to choose.

Men, if faced with a situation like this what would you do? Your boss gives you a project that will require a lot, and you know that you won't get the credit for it, do you do your best? You've fallen for a girl who doesn't like you that way, how does it affect your relationship? Do you live with honor, working hard, and being a good friend? Do you have integrity, giving your best effort and being the friend she needs?

Let us be men who do what is right. Let us set aside our own desires when we must and live with honor and integrity.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor