The Bible talks about a woman who did something for the Lord that brought whispers from those watching. I can imagine their small voices, "Just look at her...she thinks she's so spiritual...she should have sold that alabaster box and given the money to people who need it more!" Instead of being thankful that something priceless was done for Jesus, they murmured and complained. Do you know the story I am talking about?
It's found in Mark 14. A woman came to Jesus as he sat down to a meal with a crowd. His disciples and others gathered around and talked with the Lord while they ate. In the middle of the meal, a woman came in and fell at his feet. She took out an Alabaster box and poured the contents on the Savior. Immediately, some of those watching started talking about how she should have done this and she shouldn't have done that....yada, yada, yada. Instead of being excited about the Lord receiving special treatment, some were so super-spiritual that they actually condemned what she did. What does that tell you about their closeness with the Savior? But, in all honesty, that's what they were trying to be...spiritual. They ended up sounding selfish and ungrateful.
Now, let me ask you. How do we sound when we try to sound spiritual but have absolutely no spiritual motive at all for what we are saying? What do the ears of The Lord hear when we either vocally or inwardly question others' motivations. Let me give you an example. If someone in our church was to single out, say Sarah, and bless her abundantly. Let's say Sarah got the royal treatment. She was taken to get her nails done, to eat at Olive Garden, to indulge at Menchie's, and finally to pick out a new, complete outfit. When she comes to the next Beautiful Girlhood meeting and shares about how she was treated, how many of us inwardly seethe at the unfairness of Sarah being the only one taken? Tell the truth to yourself, girls, because Christ knows it already anyway. This is exactly what this Bible example is about. The Lord was ministered to, and instead of being glad, they not only thought it inwardly but voiced their selfishness. But, instead of looking spiritual, it showed their motives for exactly what they were...self-centered.
The woman didn't care what was said about her. She did what she did for Who she was trying to impress. If you are like this woman, take courage! The Lord saw her motivation and commended her publicly. But, if you are more likely to be like one of those who were jealous and disguised their whining as spirituality, Jesus knows that, too.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
It's found in Mark 14. A woman came to Jesus as he sat down to a meal with a crowd. His disciples and others gathered around and talked with the Lord while they ate. In the middle of the meal, a woman came in and fell at his feet. She took out an Alabaster box and poured the contents on the Savior. Immediately, some of those watching started talking about how she should have done this and she shouldn't have done that....yada, yada, yada. Instead of being excited about the Lord receiving special treatment, some were so super-spiritual that they actually condemned what she did. What does that tell you about their closeness with the Savior? But, in all honesty, that's what they were trying to be...spiritual. They ended up sounding selfish and ungrateful.
Now, let me ask you. How do we sound when we try to sound spiritual but have absolutely no spiritual motive at all for what we are saying? What do the ears of The Lord hear when we either vocally or inwardly question others' motivations. Let me give you an example. If someone in our church was to single out, say Sarah, and bless her abundantly. Let's say Sarah got the royal treatment. She was taken to get her nails done, to eat at Olive Garden, to indulge at Menchie's, and finally to pick out a new, complete outfit. When she comes to the next Beautiful Girlhood meeting and shares about how she was treated, how many of us inwardly seethe at the unfairness of Sarah being the only one taken? Tell the truth to yourself, girls, because Christ knows it already anyway. This is exactly what this Bible example is about. The Lord was ministered to, and instead of being glad, they not only thought it inwardly but voiced their selfishness. But, instead of looking spiritual, it showed their motives for exactly what they were...self-centered.
The woman didn't care what was said about her. She did what she did for Who she was trying to impress. If you are like this woman, take courage! The Lord saw her motivation and commended her publicly. But, if you are more likely to be like one of those who were jealous and disguised their whining as spirituality, Jesus knows that, too.
She hath done what she could: Mark 14:8
May this verse may be said about each of us too.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 15
Revelation 22
That sounds like a lovely treatment lol:)
ReplyDeleteWe must be careful that we aren't being unspiritual when we are trying to be spiritual. I pray that the Lord will keep me from jealousy
I really like the sound of that treatment to:p to bad Sarah was the one chosen... Lol Just kidding. As much as I hate to admit I struggle with inwardly questioning motives. It is definitely something I need to work on.
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