You Don't have to Follow the World's Advice Concerning Sex

Ruth 3:6–9 (ESV) So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her. 7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down. 8 At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! 9 He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”

Ruth is making a bold move here in relation to Boaz. She is literally asking him to marry her. It will be the decisive move of her life and change the trajectory of her entire being. 

But it is a bit removed from what she was advised to do. Naomi had told her to do everything up to that moment where Ruth asks for Boaz to spread his garment corner ("wings") over her. In Naomi's original advice, this is how she left it:

Ruth 3:4 (ESV) But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.”

Do you see the difference between Naomi's advice and Ruth's actions? Naomi was most likely thinking of Ruth in light of where she came from. She has been referred to as "Ruth the Moabitess" for most of the story. This is a slightly derogatory term in light of Israel's history with Moab. The Moabites are the descendants of Lot's incestuous relationship with his daughter! The Moabites are also the people who enticed Israel's men to sin and cost them tens of thousands of lives in Numbers 25. The Moabites where people with a certain "reputation" about sexuality. Naomi may have been looking at Ruth in light of where she came from instead of who Ruth was interested in becoming.

Thankfully for Ruth, she did what every young person should do regarding their sexuality. REJECT the foolish advice of the world and forsake the "it's just how kids are today" mentality. Then seek the best God has to offer and trust Him with the results.

Ruth doesn't let Boaz "use his imagination" with her as Naomi suggested. Ruth asks for commitment, for levarite marriage according to the law. And Ruth has more than her own well being in mind. She's thinking of Naomi's future descendants. She's thinking of making things right where sin had brought so much harm for Naomi. Ruth is a cut above the average young girl. Her character keeps surprising us and especially the original hearers of Israel. Ruth even refers to herself as simply "Ruth, your servant." She's all in on a new identity aligned with God's people instead of the world.

The same is possible for you. Reject the faulty advice of this world concerning sex and marriage. They do not have your best interest in mind. Reject also this idea that "it's just how it's done at this age." You don't have to follow some script made up by people in Hollywood who do not care about you. You CAN seek what is right and best for you - singular obedience to God's way of living. This is especially important in regards to sex because sex could mess your life up big time. 

Ruth makes it clear to Boaz that she is looking for commitment and forward movement in life along the moral guidelines the God of Israel commands. Guess what? She gets it! She goes for God's best and it comes to pass. Boaz is moved by her desire to live right and honors her request. There will be a small hiccup to overcome, but the trajectory of Ruth's life is headed in the right direction. Why? Because she followed the Lord's way instead of the world's idea.

At the end of your life, you will be thrilled if you do the same.