Work that is altruistic.

Day 18

Ruth 2:8

“Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn.”

Work that is altruistic.

Selflessness. Let us focus this day, not on Ruth, on Boaz. Because perhaps you find yourself on the other side of the equation. Perhaps you are the one in a position of authority. You are there for their sustenance, or they depend on you for emotional support, or even for spiritual guidance. Maybe you are a mentor, called to teach others and guide them along.

After he inquired about the new girl gleaning in his fields, Boaz could have turned around and gone about his day. It would not have been wrong of him. After all, he was already obedient to the Law by allowing her there in the first place. But Boaz was a man of integrity. He went one step further. Boaz instructed her on what to do, warned her of the dangers, and made provision for her. A good leader will instruct those under him or her. A good leader will protect them. A good leader will provide for them.

Teach your children, teach your employees, tell them how to do the work, not just send them on their way. If you have children, give them proper instructions. If you have employees or fellow volunteers, or just plain people in your life who depend on you or your opinion or your wisdom, or simply look up to you in any way, teach them. If they face dangers, don’t remain silent, warn them, and do whatever is in your power to offer them protection.

Finally, provide. You may be in a position where you need to provide for the physical well-being of someone, or your provision only needs to be emotional or spiritual. Perhaps you may need to provide all, as in the case of a parent. You may be the owner of a business and have the responsibility to provide a salary; make it a point to be the best protector and provider you can be. It doesn’t matter where your employees come from, whether they are of your kind or foreigners. Just as God “shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34), neither should you. Our Father is loving and righteous. He makes no exception for persons. Neither should we. Ask Him to give you the wisdom you need to guide others as He guides you. #getittogethergirl, be kind, be Christlike in all you do. Be the person of integrity that your Lord expects you to be.

Father, I want to be like you. I want to follow you and be the leader you have called me to be. Help me be diligent in my task, help me look forward to the result, but don’t let me forget those who depend on me and are with me in this journey. Give me the wisdom to teach others, the foresight to see the dangers they may face and warn them, and the means to provide for their needs, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

My reflections:

“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.”

Luke 12:48

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