The proof of faithfulness comes not in times of peace and prosperity but hardship and testing. It’s easy to remain faithful during the good times, but more of a direct challenge to one’s strength of character when everything seems to be going wrong. Naomi trained her daughters-in-law the best that she could, putting their needs before her own, and in their choices was revealed the true depth of each one’s faithfulness. There is affection displayed in the course of Orpah’s departure, but the greater strength of love in Ruth’s clinging to Naomi, refusing to be parted. Only Ruth was truly faithful.

There are those that preach a gospel enticing people to a better life. They promise that the conditions of this life will morph into physical blessings and good times if they embrace their teaching. The true Gospel embraced by true followers provides for eternal security regardless of the temporary hardship of present circumstances. It calls for faith in Christ in spite of the appearances, which serves as the root from which faithfulness grows into something at work at levels beyond just creature comforts.

The test of our faith is the degree to which we cling to and embrace Christ to the exclusion of all others rather than seek to satiate our own desires. This can be measured by those things to which we cling the most, whether they’re of His kingdom or this world._††_†

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