Have you noticed that great people in the Bible such as Noah, Abraham, and Paul also had godly character? In addition, people in the world that have caused the most problems are people of ungodly character.
Character can be defined as a collection of personality traits within our behavior that shows who we are. This is seen in our integrity, attitudes, moral fiber, disposition, and how we treat those around us.[1] How do I grow in godly character and what can we learn from Godly people in Bible?
Boaz Displayed Godly Character
Boaz was a man who lived in ancient Israel before the time of the kings and was a wealthy farmer. Not much is known about Boaz until he begins to interact with a young widow woman named Ruth.
As you read through the book of Ruth you begin to see a picture being painted of a man who cares for others and who wants to always do what is right by the Lord. When Boaz is presented an opportunity to be a family redeemer for Ruth, the widow, it gives us insight into the type of godly person he is.
The Story of Boaz
Ruth 4:1Boaz went to the town gate and took a seat there. Just then the family redeemer he had mentioned came by, so Boaz called out to him, “Come over here and sit down, friend. I want to talk to you.” So they sat down together. 2 Then Boaz called ten leaders from the town and asked them to sit as witnesses. 3 And Boaz said to the family redeemer, “You know Naomi, who came back from Moab. She is selling the land that belonged to our relative Elimelech. 4 I thought I should speak to you about it so that you can redeem it if you wish. If you want the land, then buy it here in the presence of these witnesses. But if you don’t want it, let me know right away, because I am next in line to redeem it after you.”
The man replied, “All right, I’ll redeem it.” 5 Then Boaz told him, “Of course, your purchase of the land from Naomi also requires that you marry Ruth, the Moabite widow. That way she can have children who will carry on her husband’s name and keep the land in the family.” 6 “Then I can’t redeem it,” the family redeemer replied, “because this might endanger my own estate. You redeem the land; I cannot do it.” [2]
Character is About Choices
Character is demonstrated by our choices. Moreover, God builds character in the circumstances of our life. He does this as we experience situations in which we are tempted to do the exact opposite of what character like God looks like.
Character development always involves choice. When we make the right choice, our character grows, and we become more like Christ. Boaz had choices just like we do, and our story reveals he consistently let the Lord lead him to make good choices. We can do the same as we let the Holy Spirit empowers and guides us.
To hear more about the character of Boaz, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/seeking-the-lord-changes-my-life-ruth-part-2
[1] https://seattlechristiancounseling.com/articles/christian-character-defined-a-christian-counselor-speaks-2
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ru 4:1–6). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.