Articles
Do What You Can
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But Jesus said, "Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. . . . She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial." (Mk. 14:6, 8)
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John's gospel (12:3) tells us that this woman was Mary of Bethany. She and her family had a long and close relationship with Jesus through the years. Only a few days before, He had raised her brother, Lazarus, from the grave. Apparently she now had some premonition of Jesus' approaching fate, and this anointing was her way of expressing her devotion to Jesus for everything He had done for her and her family.
The apostles who witnessed this incident, of course, had no appreciation for her sacrifice. They saw it strictly in economic terms; this was a waste of money that could have been put to a more practical purpose. Jesus corrected their short-sightedness, and in the process gave the rest of us a lesson in using our gifts.
As a woman in that culture, Mary had no status, no power, no influence. The one thing she did have--a sizable amount of precious ointment (perhaps from a family business inventory?)--she was determined to use in the Master's service. Her anointing of Jesus was the best she could do under the circumstances. Jesus was grateful for the gesture.
Everyone of us has our own unique gifts--whether talents, skills, or resources--that others do not possess. The Lord will judge us on the basis of those gifts, not the gifts of others. Rather than belittling ourselves because we cannot match what others do, we need to focus on what we can do.
Has the Lord blessed you with wealth? Use it wisely in helping those who have little. Are you blessed with manual skills and the desire to make things? Look for opportunities to make or repairs things for others who are unable to do so. Do you love to cook? There are so many who would be delighted to partake of the fruit of your labor. Do you have a compassionate heart and the gift of encouraging others? Then, by all means, stay busy encouraging others; goodness knows the world needs more of what you have to offer.
Whatever your station in life, do what you can. Like Mary, your good work for the Lord may not be valued by others. Don't worry about it. The Lord knows your work and the heart behind it, and that's all that matters.
--David
