Articles . Volume 13 | Issue 04

The Loud Volume of Quiet Faithfulness

Written by: Bill Elliff

I have always said to my kids that a lack of integrity always manifests itself. If a man’s character is dishonest, cutting corners, cheating, lying, etc. it will always come out. All you need do is read the papers and you will see the daily evidence of this maxim.

But the reverse is also true. Character makes a broad swath. It leaves a legacy that can be seen. It always brings a reward. Ruth is a perfect example.

Ruth was not an Israelite, but was from Moab, across the Jordan river to the east. She had been the daughter-in-law of Naomi and then Ruth’s husband had died. By all rights, she could have stayed in Moab and left her mother-in-law as Naomi headed back to Israel. But in a show of unusual kindness she stayed with her to take care of her. The rest of her life modeled this faithful, kind, loyal service to her mother-in-law and those around her. And everyone noticed. Particularly a fine man named Boaz.

Ruth 3:10
And he said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. 11 And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman.

The endgame of this story was that this highly regarded man married her. They had a son, named Obed, who had a son named Jesse, who had a son named David who became the greatest King in Israel’s history and was also the line through which the ultimate King was born. This outcast Gentile became the great grandmother of Kings!

Character matters. People are watching more than you know. You don’t have to “toot your own horn” because those that matter will observe your good behavior and “glorify your Father who is in heaven.” And, God will take care of you.

A gracious, godly life speaks loudly.

(copyright Bill Elliff, All Rights Reserved)