When Preparation Meets Opportunity
August 25, 2010 by Admin
Filed under Film, TV, Leaders, Ministry Today
Dr. Teresa Hairston
Character is important; but it’s far different than personality. PERSONALITY is what you show people when everyone is watching. CHARACTER is who you are when no one is watching.
I always want to do better, but more than that, I want to be better. I want to take full advantage of every opportunity God sends my way— whether it’s a relationship, a business endeavor, or a ministry expansion; opportunities can and will be missed (or messed up) if I am unprepared when they are presented.
Preparation is the key. NFL Quarterback, Charlie Batch stated, “Proper preparation pre- vents poor performance.†He’s right! Preparation in the area of “character†is essential.
In order to take advantage of Godly opportuni- ties, you must invest in preparing Godly character. Godly character traits include: faithfulness, righ- teousness, stability, etc.; essentially, Godly charac- ter is character that is filled with integrity.
Integrity prepares you to handle opportuni- ties at multiple levels throughout life. Integrity positions you to achieve and handle success (and failure). Integrity produces a lifestyle of humili- ty. Integrity will even protect you from scandal.
Several weeks ago, I sat down and began to prayerfully plan for the next season of my life. I began to ask myself questions: Who am I now that I wasn’t five years ago? What have I learned from my victories and valleys? Where does God want me to go? What does God want me to achieve? What do I need to do differently or the same? How will I get what God has for me? Am I walking in integrity in all areas?
I already understood my purpose; but the answers to these questions served to update my plan and redefine my path. I needed to be painfully honest with myself. I had to “stop, look and listen†to God (first), myself (second) and others (third). Perhaps you should do the same.
Take a look at your life. Reexamine (take inventory), reevaluate (reassess the value of your inventory), and reprioritize (clean up, clean out and restack things). Consider the things that others have said and done to hurt you. Allow the pain to help you focus. You might have to fight your flesh, but do what you must, to maintain your integrity.
The Encarta® World English Dictionary de- fines integrity as “the quality of possessing and steadfastly adhering to high moral principles or professional standards.â€
The Bible’s definition of integrity includes: treating people fairly and honestly (Leviticus 19:35-36, Deut 25:15, Proverbs 16:11-13); and giving your word and keeping it (Exodus 8:28-32).
You see, integrity is the first thing to go when you’re treated badly. You figure that you are entitled to retaliation; but God doesn’t see it that way. You probably learned the “Golden Rule†in school… well…it’s still “Golden!†“Do to others as you would have them do to you.†(Luke 6:31).
The book of Ruth provides a beautiful ex- ample of a “character filled with integrity.†The story goes like this: Naomi travels from Beth- lehem to Moab with her husband and two sons to escape famine. While in Moab, Naomi’s sons get married to Moabite women; one of whom was Ruth. But after about 10 years, Naomi’s husband dies as well as both sons. Naomi is devastated and destitute; she decides to return home, to Bethlehem. As she prepares to leave Moab, she tells Ruth and her other son’s wife (Orpah) to go back to their mothers and find new husbands. Orpah departs, but Ruth pleads with Naomi: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God†(1:16).
It’s a powerful promise, but Ruth keeps it, even though times are rough—they have no food; and Naomi is grieving—she isn’t pleasant to deal with at all! To top it all off, when Ruth accompanies Naomi to Israel—it’s a strange place where she has no connections and no security. But Ruth has given her word and she keeps it—even in the face of adversity. She doesn’t turn back. In fact, she goes into the fields and “gleansâ€â€”meaning she picks through leftovers and scraps to get food. It’s the only way she can survive and provide for her mother- in-law. In today’s culture, that amounts to dig- ging in garbage and picking through trash. But Ruth doesn’t get bogged down in pride. She has given her word and she is determined to keep it —even through adversity!
As she is gleaning for food, Ruth encoun- ters Boaz, the owner of the field where she has been gleaning. He already has gotten the 4-1-1 on Ruth, but he immediately looks past her cir- cumstances and sees her character. He is a man of integrity and insight. He sees “into†her— he looks past her poverty and sees that she is a “worthy†woman—because she keeps her word through thick and thin. Her integrity “qualifies†her in Boaz’ eyes as a woman who deserves protection and provision, and he provides both.
Understanding the dynamics of the situation, Naomi orchestrates a plan to bring Ruth and Boaz together in a private setting. She plans a meeting at the threshing floor (the place where wheat is separated from the chaff) where Ruth can make herself “available†to Boaz. Ruth obe- diently prepares herself—puts on her good per- fume and her best dress; and she goes to the threshing floor at the right time—after Boaz has eaten a good meal, had a good drink, and is talking his rest. She positions herself at Boaz’ feet.
That night, Boaz wakes up in the middle of the night and discovers Ruth, (she is prepared and positioned for the opportunity). She mod- estly lets Boaz know that she wants him to choose her as his wife. He does, and the stage is then set for destiny.
This meeting at the threshing floor reveals the character of both Boaz and Ruth. They had the opportunity to fulfill their flesh, or fulfill God’s plan. They chose God’s plan, and their choice separated and qualified them for the blessing of fulfillment that culminated in mar- riage and legacy. (They became the grandparents of David, the future King of Israel).
The meeting at the threshing floor was a meeting of preparation and opportunity. It was a Divine set-up: God’s plan was fulfilled because Boaz and Ruth passed the test.
Are you prepared for Divine opportunity? Will the integrity of your character pass or fail when tested by pain, disappointment or hardship? Do you concern yourself more with how people treat you than keep- ing your word and following through on your prom- ises? Do you “rationalize†and make excuses when it comes to following through on commitments?
PEOPLE WHO LACK INTEGRITY OF CHARACTER:
Underperform and overcharge on jobs/contracts
Walk off jobs without completing assignments
Disrespect their bosses with unflattering remarks and behavior
Dishonor commitment in relationships
Fail to support their family/children.
Other issues that indicate a lack of integrity include: avoiding phone calls, paying bills late (or not at all), not following up with obligations, gossiping, over-committing and under-delivering.
Are you passing or failing the integrity test?
RUTH HELPS US UNDERSTAND HOW INTEGRITY MANI- FESTS. SHE WAS:
Devoted to her family (Ruth 1:15-18)
Dedicated to godly speech (Ruth 2:10, 13)
Dependent on God (Ruth 2:12)
Diligent in her labor (Ruth 2:7, 17, 23)
Dutiful in her obedi- ence (Ruth 3:5).
Discreet (modest) in her dealings with men (Ruth 3:6-13) Deliberate about her destiny (Ruth 4:14-15)
The blessings that come from a lifestyle of integrity in- clude provision, protection and fulfilled purpose.
It’s time to reexamine, re- evaluate and reprioritize. The next time opportunity knocks, let your integrity open the door to blessings, purpose and destiny!
Wow!!! This is confirmation for me since it is exactly the questions I have been asking myself over the last couple of weeks. I think I am at the turning point in my life where I am finally comfortable with who I am with the grace of God. I have been thru a couple of failed relationship where I found myself blaming myself. I had to spend a lot of time with God alone, one year to be exact to discover I am okay. Recently met somone as a matter of fact exactly 1 year to the date I have been in solitary confinment (LOL). I am much older and wiser and much more comfortable with myself because I know that when all else fails God will be by my side!
This is a very timely article and I am so blessed by reading it. I am definitely reexaming, reevaluating and reprioritizing starting NOW! Thank you Dr. Teresa Hariston.
This was a on-time word for me. I self-reflect alot, yet I konw that God is calling me to a higher level in self-examing my heart. For how can we minister if we do not self-reflect.
Wow, absolutely amazing Dr. Hairston, your writing gives total credence and validity to the theme of Inspiration. You are so deeply gifted and so profoundly skilled in your ability to introduce a subject, clearly define it and then systematically and meticulously expound on every aspect of that subject. Personally, I have been empowered by this article as your writing has provided me with insight and wisdom that has transformed me by the renewing of my mind; yes, a total mind makeover indeed. I have been able to read this and gain revelation and great understanding to the true meaning of preparation and opportunity, and how integrity of character is the both the link and ingredient that will allow me to maximize both and receive God’s promise and fulfill His plan. The Practical wisdom you were able to impart by sharing the series of questions you asked yourself in planning for the next season of your life has truly given me direction,so I might update my plan and redefine my path. Dr. Hairston, I thank you so much for your powerful ministry and I have truly gleaned from you and I am excited to reexamine, reevaluate, and reprioritize, so that when the Lord brings me to my threshing floor, I will be prepared to fully embrace the opportunity!
I fully agree, integrity has meant EVERYTHING to me! Integrity is not being perfect, but it’s your approach to every situation. As pointed out above, you follow-up when required. If you can’t do something, you don’t avoid, but you face it head on.
Oh my goodness, that was a word straight from heaven for me. Okay, Lord you want a yes in all things no mater how hard the old man wants to revert to old ways.
Thank you for restating the word of truth and shaking me from my slumber and sleep.
God bless and keep letting God speak through you.
I am a believer in the Body of Christ from India.When I came across the reflections of Dr Hairston on RUTH in ‘Gospel Today’,I thought I would share my kind of thoughts which were shared online recently to many believers across the globe,and why not I share the same article for the benefit of American Body of Christ!!!!!!!!.Go on read now. Have you ever thought about the most stunning revelation that the Bible brings to us in the Book of Ruth? Do you cherish what you have inherited in the Bible was more than the world and all it has to offer?It is good to know that all the modern management theories,business strategies and techniques were evolved from the Bible centred knowledge.Bible is the main source of all these most modern war strategies being evolved.Here in the book of Ruth,the most astonishiing facts are presented that could be compared to the most relevant management systems of today.PDCA cycle is one such fact Management System.PDCA stands for PLAN,DO,CHECK,ACT-was made popular by Dr. W. Edwards Deming, who was considered by many to be the father of modern quality control; However it was always referred by him as the”Shewhart cycle”.Later in Deming’s career, he modified PDCA to “Plan, Do, Study, Act” (PDSA) so as to better describe his recommendations. Each chapter in the book of Ruth could be compared to this PDSA cycle. PLAN – factor in Chapter 1 :In the 16 verse we see Ruth’ PLANNING activity.She tells Naomi,Intreat me not to leave thee or in 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.Ruth’s commitment to her inheritance was real. She had every right to have walked away like Orpah.However she planned well and had counted the cost and made up her mind (Luke 14: 27 – 32).What a planned commitment for a future inheritance in Christ?
DO -factor in Chapter 2:in the 3 rd verse we see this ‘DO’factor.”and she went and came,and gleaned in the field after the reapers:and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Baoz,who was the kindred of Elimelech.”
The story of Ruth is one of godly character. The decisions she made in her life decided by her godly character. Ruth was firmly committed to what she believed was right.Her thoughts and actions were dictated by her commitment and character.One decision she made changed her whole destiny.The same is true for the decisions we make today.Has the life of Christ touched our character?Anger,bitterness in the heart and self-centeredness will take us away from God.
“The culture of the day meant that Ruth,as a widow and Moabite,had little hope of attaining anything as far as wealth and stature in the society was concerned.Especially since she had left her own people.She has no incentive to act nobly apart from her character.How God loves and rewards such a right heart!”
God granted her wisdom and favour. These two ingredients can turn any hopeless situation into a hopeful situation.A godly character gave her both.
Ruth made herself available to work with Boaz,a relative of Naomi’s dead husband. According to the custom of the day, he was one of the people who could marry Ruth and give her an inheritance. God granted Ruth favour with Boaz and he received her kindly.
Remember, our commitment to God will lead us to His favour upon our life.
God’s favour gave Abraham a covenant and brought Joseph out of prison.We need the favour of God in our life too.
STUDY factor in Chapter 3:To someone living in the Western culture the advice of Naomi to her daughter-in-law-Ruth,may sound like a bit of sly scheming.Naomi’s words to Ruth form the message in this STUDY factor,3rd verse,”Wash thyself therefore,and anoint thee,and put thy raiment upon thee,and get thee down to the floor.But make not thyself unto the man until he shall have eating and drinking”
Nothing could be further from the truth. The reasons for Ruth’s seemingly strange actions in chapter 3 holds its explanation in the culture of the day. Women were not allowed to propose marriage to men. The only way they could show their intention was by laying at the man’s feet..”14 th verse wisely depicts this fact .”she lay at his feet untill the morning: and she rose up before one could know another.And he said,”Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.”By laying at Boaz’s feet, Ruth showed her clear desire to continue the inheritance of her husband. Boaz was the next of kin (save one), and although he was much older than Ruth, she was still committed to him.Remember, Ruth was under no obligation to do this. Here is a lesson in faithfulness and commitment, not marriage principles!.Boaz was astonished at the faithfulness of Ruth.However he still had to sort out the problem of the other kin before he could redeem her. Jesus(OUR BRIDEGROOM)must astonish by looking at the faithfulness of His Bride(BODY OF CHRIST)in these days.Faithfullness and commitment are the key STUDY factors that the Bridegroom will do.
ACT factor in Chapter 4:Ruth claims Boaz as kinsman as much as Boaz reciprocates before elders(verse9)
If Ruth is a picture of the Christian (or Church),or Bride then Boaz is a picture of Christ- our redeemer.
Having decided to redeem Ruth,Boaz set out to settle the account with the person who had a ‘legal right over her’.
Our OLD man’s character had a legal right over us but Christ came for us and redeemed us by paying the the price of His death on the cross.
In the presence of elders of the city, Boaz made a legal deal,with reliable witnesses, and ‘purchased the right’ to marry Ruth.See the relevant ACT factor in this scenario,10 th verse.”Moreover Ruth the Moabitess,the wife of Mahlon,have I purchased to be my wife ,to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance,that the name of the dead be not cut off from among the brethren,and from the gate of his place ,ye are witnesses this day”
Can we see any parallels here with our Christian faith? Romans 8:16,1John 5: 6-10
Boaz married Ruth,God blessed them with a child whose name was Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of David, from whose linage Jesus was born.
Well Said. Excellent Reading…. This article MADE me take a look at myself. An article needed at such as time as this in my life. AWESOME….. Thank you for giving me a reexamination of me. Very much needed.
Wow….This was sooooo powerful. I love the way the story of the Book of Ruth was broken down here. This has spoken to me in so many ways…I know that this was meant for me to read at this very moment! Thank you Lord for leading me to this page to read this….next time, I will be prepared!!!