The Choice of ExcellenceSample

Have An Excellent Reputation

“So she went down to the threshing floor and did according to all that her mother-in-law had commanded her.  When Boaz had eaten and drunk and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came secretly, and uncovered his feet and lay down.  It happened in the middle of the night that the man was startled and bent forward; and behold, a woman was lying at his feet.  He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth your maid. So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative.”  Then he said, “May you be blessed of the Lord, my daughter. You have shown your last kindness to be better than the first by not going after young men, whether poor or rich.  Now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence.” Ruth 3:6-11 NASB

The book of Ruth is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. I find so much personal application every time I read it. Ruth sticks by her mother-in-law in the worst of times, even when no one would blame her for not being there. When she seeks out Boaz to redeem her and Naomi, he responds that he will do whatever she asks because everyone knew that she was a woman of excellence. Some translations state that she was a virtuous woman. Her reputation preceded her request. 

Reputation is the opinion that people have about you. It is the judgment they have made, usually based on the actions they have observed or things they have heard. Reputation is a door opener. It is a provider of opportunities. It may not keep the door open if we do not follow through after we are given the opportunity, but a good reputation will give you opportunities that you would not have otherwise. 

When we live a life of excellence, we create a reputation where people are willing to trust us. Boaz immediately responded positively to Ruth because her reputation gave him a reason to trust her. We should live our life in such a way that what people know about us causes them to trust us from the outset. We all need opportunities. We all need someone to give us a break from time to time. An excellent reputation will open more good doors and give us more good breaks. Live a life where you are not embarrassed by the reputation that is going before you.