We Are Known by Our Actions

Note from today’s Bible reading: Ruth 1-4

The book of Ruth begins with the death of Naomi’s husband and two sons while they sojourned in the land of Moab. After this, Naomi planned to return to Judah and told her two daughters-in-law to return to their people. One turned back, but Ruth vowed to stay with her.

After they returned, Ruth was gathering what remained in the field of Boaz after the reapers had gone through. When Boaz showed her kindness, she asked, “Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” (Ruth 2:10). Boaz explained that he had heard of all she had done in coming to a foreign land and helping her mother-in-law.

When Boaz made plans to redeem Ruth, she again asked why. He said, “For all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence” (Ruth 3:11). Ruth had developed a reputation based upon what she had done. This illustrates how powerful our deeds are in shaping the opinion that others have of us.

So remember that we are known by our actions. We may have good intentions to do any number of things. However, unless we put those good intentions to work, no one will recognize us as a person of excellence, regardless of how much we want to be viewed that way.