Baptist City Blog

Where Do You Draw the Line?

Ruth 1:17

"Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me."

Whenever you read the Scriptures, you should always look for pictures of Christ. The story of Ruth is one that resembles the relationship of the Christian and Christ. When Ruth was asked by her mother-in-law to go back home, she replied by saying the only thing that she would allow to separate her would be death. This is dedication to the core! Though Ruth owed nothing to Naomi, she decided that she was going to stay no matter what came her way.

This world is in desperate need of Christians who have the dedication of Ruth. Quite often little things will cause Christians to quit on God, when we need Christians who will decide that death will be the only thing that will cause them to stop serving God. I find in Ruth 1:16-17, five things that can cause Christians to draw the line and quit on God. I ask you, will you draw the line with God and quit serving Him if these five things happen, or will you be like Ruth who will say that death will be the only thing that you will let part you from serving God?

First, will you let the Christian path be the line that causes you to part ways with God? Ruth said, "...for whither thou goest, I will go:..." She made very clear that the Christian path would be the path that she would walk. Many will think the Christian path is too demanding to walk with Christ, but you must decide that whatever this path demands that you won't draw the line with God. The Christian path demands that you forsake all to follow Christ. Have you drawn a line with God and said that you would only go so far with Him?

Second, will you let family be the line that causes you to part ways with God? Ruth said, "...where thou lodgest, I will lodge:..." She made it very clear that she was willing to leave her own family for God. There are many Christians who for the sake of family quit on God. However, Luke 14:26 makes it clear that you must be willing to leave your whole family if needs be to serve God. If your family said they would forsake you if you continue to serve the LORD, is that the line you will draw with God?

Third, will you let friends be the line that causes you to part ways with God? Ruth said, "...thy people shall be my people,..." She was choosing Christian people to be her friends. Many people will allow their friends to pull them away from serving the LORD. You should never choose your friends over God. Simply put, would you be willing to lose every friend for the sake of Christ? If your answer is "No," then your line with God is your friends.

Fourth, will you let other gods be the line that causes you to part ways with God? Ruth said, "...and thy God my God:..." Ruth was willing to put aside all other gods to serve God. What god is it that will cause you to quit serving God? Is it wealth, status, job promotion or fame where you draw the line with God? Whatever you would be willing to put ahead of God is the line that you have drawn with God.

Last, will the loss of loved ones be the line that causes you to quit on God? Ruth said, "Where thou diest, will I die,..." Many Christians have quit serving God over the death of a child, spouse, pastor or friend. Will you allow the death of a loved one to be the line that causes you to quit serving God?

What is the line that you have drawn with God? Don't draw any lines with God, but say as Ruth said, "...the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me."