Ruth 3:1-4
Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor (Ruth 3:2, NIV).

We will continue to glean spiritual truths we can apply to our lives from the book of Ruth. Although, Naomi was a poor widow, she had what every one of us has. She has influence and knew how to use it. Naomi understood that although she was a little woman she could use her influence to cause a change. I am aware that some commentators have interpreted her move as being manipulative; I have chosen to focus on the recovery perspective.

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines influence to mean “the power to change or affect someone or something”. It is the power to cause changes without directly forcing them to happen. It also refers to a person or thing that affects someone or something in an important way.

With this understanding, how did Naomi use her influence in the story of Ruth? First, Naomi has information. Second, she has wisdom and contacts. Third, she understood the Jewish tradition and knew that Ruth had a right to have a kinsman redeemer and Boaz was one of them.

Naomi used this power to set the stage to get a home for Ruth. This little act led to a series of events that resulted in Ruth’s marriage to Boaz. The question is how are we using our influence? The information we have, the people we know, our position and resource, how are we using them to cause a change for good? Think on these things.

Your Turn

• Ask the Lord to help you to use your influence in wise and positive ways.

Song: This little light of mine.

Reading through the New Testament: 2 Corinthians 5