RUTH 1:15 : And she said, “Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods;
return after your sister-in-law.”
Husbands are notorious for not asking directions. One wife said that her husband and she left a
wedding to go to the reception. Not knowing how to find the reception hall, her husband chose to
follow one of the other wedding guests rather than ask directions.
After numerous twists and turns, the car ahead of them finally pulled into the driveway of their own
home. As it turned out, these guests had not planned to attend the reception.
Where a person is going should influence whether or not we want to follow him. Naomi urged her
daughter-in-law Ruth to follow the way Orpha, her sister in-law, had taken. But Orpha was headed in
the wrong direction.
She was going back to her people and her gods. Orpha had been exposed to the God of Israel while
she was a part of Elimelech’s family, but when the final decision had to be made, she chose to return
to her old way of life. Fortunately, Ruth chose not to accompany her.
Many people are seeking others to follow them, but they’re headed in the wrong direction. When we
cut through all their assurances and promises, we discover that what they’re really offering is to lead
us back to enslavement to the world.
The apostle Paul urged the Corinthians, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Cor.11:1). The
same applies to us today. Choose to follow only those who have chosen to follow Christ.
Be careful whom you allow to be your leader. Take time today to make sure you’re following someone
who honors the Lord. Anyone who is not headed in the same direction as Christ is not headed in a
direction you want to go.
BEFORE YOU FOLLOW, KNOW WHERE YOU’RE BEING LED.