A Steadfast Mind and a Stable Heart

Ruth 1:18

We learn from reading the Bible that sheep have the tendency to stray. (Isaiah 53:6) So what is embedded in our free will that keeps us in the steps of Christ? I think the best way to answer this question is through a Biblical illustration.

It is found in the Book of Ruth chapter 1:8:18. Naomi has lost her husband and her two sons in Moab. She has decided to return to her hometown of Bethlehem and has told her daughter in laws Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab. Ruth wants to go with Naomi even after she has told her that she can’t provide for her or promise her anything. Naomi persist one more time and Ruth responds “…Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.” Ruth 1:16,17 There are two things that we can learn from Ruth’s following Naomi that will encourage us in our faithfulness to follow Jesus.

First, there is Ruth’s devotion. Her devotion to go and become a part of Naomi’s heritage showed a love and willingness to Naomi that would guide her daily life all the way to her grave. To be a disciple of Jesus is to become what he wants us to become. To go where he says go. The must be a willingness to lose oneself to find one's place and purpose in Christ.

Second, there is her determination. The Bible says in verse 18 “When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.” Ruth 1:18 Ruth’s mind was made up and no one or nothing was going to change it. It reminds me of what the Psalmist said in Psalm 57:7 “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed:” A fixed heart is one that is not easily swayed or changed. Conviction should be one of the most coveted attributes of a Christian.

A fervent mind and a fixed heart are two important qualities that a Christian must possess in order to keep one from straying off the paths of righteousness.

Meditate on this!

Ruth 1:1-18; Psalms 57:7-11; Matthew 16:24-27