How can we apply the lesson of Mark 14:5 in daily stewardship? Mark 14:5—The Verse at the Center “ ‘It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.’ And they scolded her.” Setting the Scene A woman pours costly nard on Jesus’ head. Some of those present judge her act as wasteful, arguing the perfume could have financed relief for the poor. Jesus responds by affirming her devotion and redefining what faithful stewardship looks like in that moment. Why Jesus Commends Extravagant Devotion - The woman recognizes Jesus’ supreme worth; her resources find their highest purpose in honoring Him. - She acts immediately, sensing a unique, fleeting opportunity before the cross. - Her gift springs from faith, not from public pressure or personal gain. Stewardship Principles Drawn from the Passage - Everything we possess ultimately belongs to the Lord (Psalm 24:1). - Faithful stewardship is measured first by obedience and love, not merely by efficiency. - Generosity toward Christ and generosity toward people are not rivals; both flow from the same surrendered heart (2 Corinthians 9:7). - God calls for thoughtful, Spirit-led giving rather than calculating, resentment-tinged giving (Proverbs 3:9). Daily Application Points 1. Prioritize Worship in the Budget • Set aside a “first-fruits” portion for kingdom purposes before allocating anything else. • Treat giving as worship, not just philanthropy (1 Chronicles 29:14). 2. Discern Opportunities That Cannot Be Repeated • Stay alert to unique moments—an evangelistic trip, a struggling neighbor, a church plant—that may never come again. • Respond promptly; delayed obedience can become disobedience (James 4:17). 3. Hold Resources with an Open Hand • View money, time, and talents as tools for God’s agenda, not personal security (Matthew 6:21). • Regularly audit possessions: What can be released to advance the gospel or relieve need? 4. Balance Planning with Prompt Generosity • Budget wisely (Luke 14:28) yet leave margin for spontaneous Spirit-led giving. • Keep a “ready fund” for immediate needs the Lord brings across your path (1 John 3:17). 5. Guard the Heart from Critical Comparison • Resist judging fellow believers’ giving choices; only God sees motives (Romans 14:4). • Celebrate diverse expressions of devotion within the body of Christ. Guardrails for Wise, Christ-Honoring Stewardship - Integrity: “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much” (Luke 16:10). - Accountability: Invite trusted believers to speak into financial decisions (Proverbs 15:22). - Eternal Focus: “To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). Closing Encouragement The perfume poured on Jesus filled the room with fragrance, and the story still blesses believers today. In the same way, everyday acts of surrendered stewardship—whether a dollar, an hour, or a skill—become lasting memorials of gospel-centered love. |
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