Text: Ruth 1:3-18
Memory verse:
“But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God.”
Ruth 1:16 NKJV
The problem of loyalty is seen in all areas, from relationships, to marriage, business, movements and even the ministry. In my interactions with some business owners and chief executives, I discovered that the concerns of most of them is getting loyal staff or partners. It’s sad to note that it is also scarce among believers.
Someone once shared this experience. He saw a cup with a caption, “I like my wife the way I like my car…”. Wondering what it meant, he lifted up the cup and saw a print underneath, with these words, “a new model every year!” Did you get that? Yes, every reason has become a reason to untie the marriage knot! Sticking together seems to make no sense anymore.
No one wants to stick once there is a slight pressure or change. Marriage or service is no longer based on the honour of God, commitment or love but on convenience and the benefits one gets from it.
According to our text, Ruth showed what loyalty really means. “But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” (Ruth 1:16-17 NLT).
Did Orpah leave because she didn’t love Naomi or her late husband or for lack of information about Naomi’s prospects? No. Remember both Orpah and Ruth had stayed with Naomi since the demise of her sons. So, what made Naomi unable to persuade Ruth to also return to her people and her land, like Orpah? It was her pledge to stick to Naomi’s God, which she made probably before now. The changed condition could not make her renege her promise or to consider returning to idolatry in Moab as an option! God’s honour was paramount to her and not her bleak future under Naomi’s care. Ruth considered what she will give to Naomi and not vice versa, Loyalty indeed! Her words are like today’s marriage vows which some make and have no respect for, nor honour God in it. “… for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my faith.”
Friends, do you remain true to your words in spite of changing conditions or the pressure on you? Is the honour of God a concern to you? As a child of God, God expects you to exhibit loyalty, as He remains loyal, even when we are disloyal.
Prayer points
1. Father, please, strengthen me by Your grace to keep my pledge in the midst of changing conditions in Jesus name.
2. Father, please, deliver me from the tendencies to be disloyal and to renege promises in Jesus name.
Today’s declarations
1. I am loyal when I stay faithful to what God has called me to do or entrusted into my hands in spite of the pressure or changing circumstances.
2. My loyalty is not determined by what I get from the relationship but what I can give to it.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng