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Enjoy Life, Enjoy God


Dale Patterson

CHARITABLE RIGHTEOUSNESS

July 15, 2011

 Ever notice how people outside the community of faith can be quick to see the Christian flaws, hypocrisy, and especially the way we Christians use our money?

 
Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume?  It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor."  And they rebuked her harshly.
                                                     - Mark 14:4,5 TNIV
 
It's the famous story where the woman squanders an expensive bottle of perfume to anoint Jesus.  The critics were quick to point our her sin; their charitable self-righteousness made them indignant--by the way, never mind, they could have helped out the poor anytime they wanted!  But I digress.  Jesus, however, has none of it, and counters with a rebuke of the woman's smug critics.  And Jesus blesses the extravagance of her act, her worship, and sees it as a sign of his coming anointing upon his own burial.
  
Truth is people don't always understand Christian worship.  "Moderation in all things" is street wisdom, perhaps, but it has little to do with discipleship and whole-hearted worship.  Yes, her act was extravagant; but she taught us a great deal about worship in her one act!  "Worship the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind..." All!  Nothing moderate about that!
 
Joyfully,
 
Dale Patterson