In what ways can we balance serving others and worshiping Jesus daily? Setting the Scene John 12:1-8 describes Mary pouring costly perfume on Jesus’ feet. Judas protests that it could have been sold for the poor, but Jesus answers, “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have Me” (John 12:8). He is not minimizing charity; He is highlighting a holy moment of worship that takes precedence because of His impending death. What Jesus Meant in John 12:8 • Jesus affirms ongoing care for the poor (“always have the poor”). • He underscores the uniqueness of personal devotion to Him (“not always have Me”). • The verse upholds two simultaneous callings—unceasing compassion and prioritized worship. Worship First, Service Flows • Matthew 22:37-39: Love God with all your heart, then love your neighbor. • Luke 10:38-42: Mary sat at Jesus’ feet; Martha served. Jesus praised Mary’s choice, not to disparage service but to establish the order—adoration fuels action. • Romans 12:1: Presenting our bodies as “a living sacrifice” is worship that naturally expresses itself in ministry (Romans 12:6-13). Practical Ways to Keep Both in Balance Daily Anchor Moments • Begin the day with Scripture and praise (Psalm 5:3). • End the day recounting His faithfulness (Psalm 63:6). Integrated Service • Schedule specific, regular acts of mercy—volunteering, giving, visiting (James 1:27; Hebrews 13:16). • Carry a “ready yes” mindset: small, spontaneous kindnesses (Matthew 25:40). Worship on the Go • Turn commutes, chores, or workouts into prayer and singing time (Colossians 3:16-17). • Memorize short verses to recite while serving (Psalm 119:11). Sabbath Rhythm • Set aside one block each week solely for undistracted adoration—no phones, no tasks (Mark 6:31). • Guard Lord’s-Day corporate worship as non-negotiable (Hebrews 10:25). Guardrails Against Imbalance • Activism without intimacy: drains joy, breeds pride (1 Corinthians 13:3). • Devotion without deeds: dries up into sentimentality (James 2:15-17). • Evaluate heart motives: is love for Christ driving both calendar and checkbook? Daily Reflection Passages • Mark 12:30-31—keep the two great commandments together. • Colossians 3:17—do everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus.” • Hebrews 13:15-16—offer “sacrifice of praise” and “do good and share” in the same breath. |
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