Puts Others First

Puts Others First

A HERO’S TALE

When people talk about Bible heroes, Ruth usually isn’t near the top of the list. But this quiet, godly woman was every bit the hero that famous guys like Moses, David, and Elijah were.

Ruth was from Moab, an idol-worshiping country that often fought against Israel. But at some point, she put her faith in the one true God.

Ruth had married an Israelite man named Mahlon, who had traveled to Moab with his father (Elimelech), mother (Naomi), and brother (Kilion) to escape a famine in Israel. But after more than 10 years of living in Moab, Elimelech, Mahlon, and Kilion died, leaving Naomi without a husband or son. This was bad news for Naomi. Back then, society didn’t favor women having jobs (especially older women). Left alone, Naomi was in danger of going homeless and hungry.

So she decided to return to Israel, where her countrymen could support her. She told her two widowed daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, to go back to their families.

But Ruth wouldn’t leave Naomi. This brave young woman saw the trouble her mother-in-law was in and made one of the most beautiful promises in the Bible: “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” (Ruth 1:16).

DECODING THE MESSAGE

Ruth didn’t conquer nations, part seas, or slay giants. But she was still a great hero for God. Her heroism was seen in a loving heart that put others first.

We should follow Ruth’s example. Opportunities to put others first are all around us. It could be as simple as sharing your favorite toy with your sibling, or as unique as helping needy orphans in a developing country. Whatever you do, the important thing is to show godly humility by considering others better than yourself. Is it always easy? No way. But it’s what God expects of his children. Pray for God to make you an others-first person!

BATTLE PLAN

Take some time you normally spend on yourself (watching TV, playing video games, etc.) and instead use it to show kindness to someone else. You might even see that person’s jaw hit the floor in surprise!