Too Quick to Commit

Feb 21

Feb 21 Too Quick to Commit

“If you wish to buy back the property, you can buy back the property. But if you do not wish to buy back the property, tell me. Then I will know that I am next in line because there is no other relative except me.” Ruth 4:4 GW [Context– Ruth 4:1-4]

“You’ll know a good thing when you see it,” goes a common saying. But it’s also true that things are not always as they seem. As far as good things, another common saying is—If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

I often hear people repeat cliches and platitudes like these as if they carry great significance. They don’t. When something is repeated over and over, it loses its original meaning and value.

The same goes for wanting or wishing for something better or more than what we already have. Winning the lottery loses its luster real quick with the unintended consequences winning brings—high taxes, expectations of family and friends, difficulties in managing wealth, and so on.

I’ve known pastors of small churches who want bigger ones because they think it would be better—or small business owners who want to grow their businesses bigger for greater income. But bigger is not always better. Many people are not equipped to handle the new challenges and demands brought by getting bigger.

I remember observing this as our church body and the other ministries we oversaw grew from small to bigger. The changes are dynamic and exponential. They impact relationships, responsibilities, and roles that new growth and expansion require.

It can be good, but the responsibilities that come with growth and new opportunities are always challenging. Some people rise to the new challenges, while others struggle with them. And others over-commit or commit too soon.

Opportunity Brings Responsibility

As chapter four begins, we see Boaz seek out the man who was a closer relative to Elimelech’s family than him (see text below). Boaz understood the responsibility of being a kinsman-redeemer. It wasn’t just about marriage or property.

The role of a kinsman-redeemer was about legacy—the continuation of a family line that could be traced back to the patriarchs of Israel. It was greater than Boaz, Ruth, or Naomi. There was a sacred trust to be respected and valued.

Boaz understood the gravity of the situation, so he made sure trustworthy men were present to witness what he would share with the other kinsman-redeemer. This opportunity came with great responsibility.

This scene takes place at the city gate. This would be somewhat similar to the public squares common in older towns and cities. It would be a public hearing that carried legal and binding commitments.

It might seem that Boaz is setting up some kind of trap for the nearer relative. But it isn’t manipulation in an unethical sense. He set the stage to reveal the true intentions of the other man and himself before the witnesses at the gate.

When presented with the opportunity to acquire property, this man is quick to commit. But there’s more responsibility attached to this property than merely purchasing it. There’s more to the story, but we’ll look at that next time.

Consider Before You Commit

Here’s the problem with quick decisions and commitments—there’s often more to consider than what we see, hear, or know at first. Most anything of real value requires more attention or responsibility than things of lesser value.

Before you commit, you need discernment to assess what you are committing yourself to with the understanding of the need to be faithful to your commitment once you make it.

Are there times when you’ve been too quick to commit to something or someone?

Reflection—

Opportunities always bring certain responsibilities and require a commitment to gain whatever the opportunity holds. Before you commit, ask questions to understand what your responsibilities will be and whether or not you can fulfill them.