How can we prioritize spiritual acts over material concerns in our lives? Context: A Costly Gift, an Offended Group “Though the disciples saw this, they were indignant and said, ‘Why this waste?’ ” (Matthew 26:8) • A woman pours a jar of very expensive perfume on Jesus’ head (v.7). • The disciples calculate the price tag and decide the act is impractical. • Jesus receives the gift as beautiful preparation for His burial (v.10-12). What the Disciples Missed • The perfume was not wasted; it was worship. • Their math was correct, but their priorities were misplaced. • Jesus exposes the heart-level issue: “You will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have Me” (v.11). Presence with the Lord outranks every other good work. Why Spiritual Acts Outweigh Material Concerns • Eternal impact: “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:20-21). • Direct honor to Christ: “She has done a beautiful deed to Me” (Matthew 26:10). • Test of love, not convenience: costly obedience reveals genuine devotion (2 Samuel 24:24). • God multiplies spiritual investments in ways money never could (Mark 14:9). Living This Priority Today • Guard your first hour: give Scripture reading and prayer the choicest time of the day before the to-do list. • Budget generosity first, lifestyle second—set aside the tithe and offerings before spending on yourself (Proverbs 3:9). • Serve where reward is unseen: visit the lonely, teach children, pray in secret (Matthew 6:4-6). • Practice “interruptible” schedules—welcome Spirit-led moments even when they derail plans (Acts 8:26-30). • Celebrate others’ devotion instead of critiquing their methods; choose admiration over indignation. Companion Passages That Reinforce the Lesson • Luke 10:38-42—Mary sits at Jesus’ feet while Martha worries over preparations. • John 12:3-8—Judas’s protest exposes a greedy heart, not a charitable one. • Colossians 3:2—“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” • Romans 12:1—offer your body as a living sacrifice; worship is practical devotion. • 1 Timothy 6:17-19—use riches to do good, be generous, and take hold of true life. A Closing Charge Let every calculation begin with Christ. When His worth defines value, no act of worship is ever a waste. |
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