In episode 214, “Ruth and Boaz”, Brooke & Faren discuss the meaning of Ruth 2:11-12 when Boaz tells Ruth about her reputation. Hear how this Bible story helps us learn to maintain integrity and know that our reputation matters. We use our © Read Pray Talk Tell Method to discover ways we can practically live this scripture out in everyday life. The Kid Classics mini series begins on episode 209 and goes through episode 218 of the Witty & Gritty podcast.
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Read About Reputation
We are in our sixth episode in our Kid Classics Mini Series! We’ve covered a ton of background which brings us all the way up through the book of Ruth (still in the time of the judges). Don’t you just love it when the person we’re discussing has an entire book in the Bible about their story? So fun! Here’s a very quick breakdown of the first bit of the story (tune into episode 214 for more details):
- Elimelech & Naomi are married with two sons (Mahlon and Kilion)
- Bethlehem has a famine, Elimelech takes his family to Moab (then he dies)
- Mahlon and Kilion marry Orpah and Ruth
- The sons die, the wives-now-widows are presented with a choice
- Orpah chooses to go to back to her homeland
- Ruth chooses to stay with Naomi (“Where you go I’ll go.”)
- Naomi and Ruth head back to Bethlehem
Again, check out episode 214 to fill in all the gaps! Ruth happens to meet Boaz, and he knows exactly who she is. Here are his words to her:
“Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”
Ruth 2:11-12
All this to say: Your reputation precedes you (whether we like it or not). A sweet nod, Ruth and Boaz end up getting married. So, now what do we do with that? Glad you asked! See below!
Pray Over Your Choices
There are so many takeaways from the Ruth and Boaz story, so we’ll start with a couple, and give you the freedom to glean your own insight too. As Christians, we are called to be set apart. Every choice we make affects our reputation.
Pray this over your life, that you may set apart in the decisions you make, what you choose to participate in (or not participate in). Pray for your reputation, the conversations you’ll have, the people you meet, etc… Everything you do builds upon your reputation.
Ruth and Boaz were both respectable people, and God honored that. Continue to pray for integrity, a Biblical worldview, and the courage to keep yourself set apart in a way that honors God.
Talk About Feedback
Take a page from our notes, and don’t burn bridges. In episode 214, “Ruth and Boaz” we talk about our past mistakes in this area, and what to do instead. Here are a couple of quick tips from the episode if you need them handy:
- Leave with grace
- Stay humble
- Watch your words
- Be wise in actions
This is a great time to get vulnerable in your Biblical community. Ask for feedback from fellow believers on how you do with this and how it helps/hurts your reputation as a Christian. If you’re the one giving feedback, a gentle word or a compliment sandwich works well. Sometimes our perceived reputation is inaccurate, and correction is helpful and necessary.
Tell Them Your Advice
Think back on your life, this episode, and the RPTT tips we’ve given so far. Ask yourself a couple of questions like, “What would I tell my younger self?” “What unecessary conflict and I help my kids avoid in the future?” This is a great way to storytell your way into advising your kids.
You can even read the four short chapters about Ruth and Boaz and see how your children would respond. Look back at our pray section. Pray for those over your children. Pray for the first impressions they give to their teachers, the coaches they work with, the parents of friends, etc… Tell your kids why reputation is important, who they’re representing, and how to set themselves up to be set apart.
We hope you enjoyed episode 214, “Ruth and Boaz”, through our © Read Pray Talk Tell Method. Now it’s up to you to work through the Bible chapter discussed, pray about this verse using the prompts given, have biblical community around this verse, and go point others to Christ with the tips we give. Remember, when you read, pray, talk, tell consistently, you’ll grow your faith in God more deeply. Tune in next week to hear another breakdown of a Bible verse!
Links From the Show
- Kid Classics Mini Series
- Witty & Gritty on IG
- Smiling Episode 155
- How to Win Friends and Influence People Mini Series
- Judges Bible Project
- I Am Rahab Mini Series Episodes 172-187
