Devoted to sincerity.

In Luke's characterization of the early church, he describes them as having "sincere hearts"...but what does that mean? In the context of our modern culture, the definition of sincerity seems to shift depending on who you ask: is it just saying what's on your mind? Is it being "real" (whatever that means)? Does integrity have any role?

Examining the story of Ruth, we see that in God's design for how to live, you cannot separate integrity and sincerity. Our sincerity costs us something in our interpersonal relationships, in that we risk being vulnerable with our true, authentic selves. It is our true authentic selves, however, that God has made us to be and He will use who we are, wherever we are. 

Looking at Naomi in the story, we also see the importance of sincerity of our worship. Naomi points us to the reality that sometimes the most honest worship we can offer God is "I'm really mad at you right now". From Ruth and Naomi's story, we know that when we bring our authentic selves before God, He will use it. So we don't need to be ashamed or embarrassed of our doubts, fears, or laments -- we just need to be honest about them and let God lead wherever He's taking us.

By Rebekah Covington