How can we ensure our actions align with the gospel's eternal impact? “Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” What Makes One Act Eternal - The unnamed woman’s anointing of Jesus flowed from pure devotion, not self-promotion. - Jesus Himself linked her deed to the worldwide, timeless proclamation of the gospel. - By highlighting her, He shows that any believer’s action—however small—can echo through eternity when it is centered on Him. Five Principles for Gospel-Shaped Action 1. Act from Devotion, Not Duty - Genuine love for Christ fuels deeds that matter forever (John 14:15). - Checklist: cultivate worship before attempting work. 2. Focus on Christ, Not the Crowd - The woman ignored critics (Mark 14:4-5). - Eternal impact arises when pleasing Jesus outweighs pleasing people (Colossians 3:23-24). 3. Embrace Costly Obedience - The alabaster jar equaled nearly a year’s wages. - Sacrifice reveals value; what costs us little seldom affects eternity much (2 Samuel 24:24). 4. Seize Present Opportunities - “She has done what she could; she has anointed My body in advance of My burial” (Mark 14:8). - Today’s obedience cannot be postponed; missed moments don’t return (James 4:17). 5. Trust God with the Results - Jesus—not the woman—publicized her deed. - God sovereignly attaches eternal weight to faithful acts (1 Corinthians 15:58). Supporting Scriptures - Matthew 5:16 — “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Ephesians 2:10 — “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to walk in.” - Galatians 6:9 — “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” A Simple Alignment Checklist - Am I motivated by love for Christ? - Does this action reflect His character and truth? - Am I willing for it to remain unnoticed except by Him? - Does it require real, personal sacrifice? - Am I obeying promptly, without delay? Living It Out Today - Begin each day in Scripture and prayer, letting affection for Christ guide priorities. - Look for ordinary moments—serving a neighbor, giving generously, speaking gospel truth—where costly love can be expressed. - Evaluate plans through the checklist, asking God to attach eternal significance to every obedient step. |
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