Why It's A Problem When We Try To Help God
Photo by Elissa Garcia on Unsplash
Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, said to her, “My daughter, shouldn’t I try to look for a home that would be good for you? Ruth 3:1 GW [Context– Ruth 3:1-5 GW — see full devotional text in the link below]
“God loves you and people have a wonderful plan for your life!” This is what a good friend of mine would say when people make suggestions to the pastor or other people. It was a rephrasing of one of the Four Spiritual Laws by Bill Bright of Cru and had a ring of truth to it.
My friend and I, along with countless other pastors, have heard well-intentioned suggestions from people in the church many, many times. It goes something like this — ”Pastor, I think you should…” or “Pastor, it would be good if you….” You get the idea.
It is human nature to do this. We all have thoughts about what others should or should not do, or how we might do something better or differently. Even if we don’t verbalize these thoughts out loud to others, we still have them.
This is the byproduct of our self-centered nature. It’s our attempt at helping God or even acting like Him in other people’s lives. It’s something we inherited from our ancestors, Adam and Eve. This byproduct of our self-centered (selfish) nature leads us into manipulative behavior.
Sometimes there’s a fine line between helping and manipulation. Especially when we insert ourselves and our agendas into situations involving other people’s lives and what God may already be doing.
Our plans or God’s way?
In chapter three of Ruth, the story takes an important turn. It zeroes in on one relationship within one day. Although God has His plan and His way of bringing Boaz and Ruth together, Naomi sees the need to step in to help. She spots a way to secure a better future for herself and her daughter-in-law.
When we view things from Naomi’s point of view, as best we can, we get an idea of why she sets this plan in motion for Ruth to encounter Boaz in a closer way. Here’s a glimpse into what motivates Naomi—
Bethlehem is Naomi’s homeland, not Ruth’s
Naomi feels responsible for Ruth, the Moabitess, whom she brought to Bethlehem
Naomi understands the customs and traditions of her people in a way Ruth would not
Naomi sees an opportunity to help Boaz and Ruth come together in marriage
Naomi understands the role of a kinsman-redeemer (Lev 25:25) and how it benefits her
Naomi knows Ruth will submit to her and whatever advances Boaz makes toward Ruth
This is putting the best construction on things as far as Naomi’s motives. But the reality is this—Naomi is trying to manipulate a situation. She’s also manipulating Boaz and Ruth for her own purposes.
Naomi sees an opportunity and sets her plan in motion (see text below). She explains the timing and describes how Ruth should make herself available to Boaz.
Naomi also instructs Ruth how to look and smell her best for the occasion. Naomi adds her final advice to let Boaz take the lead when the time comes.
This is manipulation, nothing less. When we try to do similar things in the lives of others, we’re being manipulative. We are interfering with God and His ways. In a sense, we see ourselves—like Naomi—helping God.
Some things to consider
Was Naomi just trying to help move things along with the relationship between Boaz and Ruth? Yes! Do you think Naomi expected Boaz to take advantage of Ruth in this situation to force something to happen between the two of them? I’ll let you decide, but it should be obvious.
One simple takeaway from this story is how important it is to let go of our manipulative ways. God doesn’t need our help. And we don’t need to meddle in other people’s lives.
What isn’t obvious, perhaps unexpected, is how both Ruth and Boaz handle themselves in this manipulated situation. We’ll see this in the next episode of our stories of redemption in the Book of Ruth.
Are there ways you have been or are currently trying to help God in some way?
Reflection—
When we try to do similar things in the lives of others as we see Naomi do, we’re being manipulative. When we do such things, we interfere with God and His ways. As said by many before me—we don’t need to be the Holy Spirit in other people’s lives.
Prayer Focus—
When you find yourself suggesting how others ought to be or what they ought to do, stop and repent. Ask the Lord to help you see how you do this with others and ask Him for the grace to let go and for His forgiveness.
Text for this devotional-study– Ruth 3:1-5 GW
This is adapted from the book Stories of Redemption by Trip Kimball (available on Amazon)
