Boaz

Day 04

A Holy Reason for Hard Work

The man will not rest until the matter is settled today. (Ruth 3:8 NRSV)

Naomi assured Ruth that when Boaz put his mind to a task, things happened. Ruth could wait with high expectation; by evening her future would be clear. We could use Boaz’s skill at getting things done. Work transforms the world. The architect shapes buildings from crude materials. The merchant matches customer needs with sensible prices and durable products. Good work brings order from chaos. It sorts priorities and establishes routes to meeting needs. It negotiates agreeable settlements. But why work hard? Most people would say, “To enrich yourself.” People work to achieve wealth and power. Is that all? The Bible affirms that good work is motivated by love. God exerts himself because he loves us. Our work is first a loving response to God and then a loving hand to others. No, not every transaction of every day is a gushy experience in handholding friendship. But the Bible’s point is clear: The work you do counts for greatness only when it’s done because you really care for others. And only God can give you that care. Boaz had it and kept to the task until it was done. Whatever your trade or profession, ask God to give you a new sense of love for the people you serve. The proper motive for work is love.

What is God saying to you right now? Jot down those thoughts and pray them back to Him.

This devotion was taken from: The One Year Life Lessons from the Bible; March 29; by Neil S. Wilson