What Ever
Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (NKJV)
Three of the gospels record Mary (the sister of Martha and Lazarus) with the act of anointing Jesus with oil.
John 12:3 “Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.”
Mary performed this act to signal her devotion, and may not have realized the significance of what she was doing. Mary’s act of anointing Jesus, symbolized the anticipation of His death and burial, also the anointing of Jesus by Mary can also be looked at as an act of worship.
Colossians 3:23-24 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men (people pleasing) Vs 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Incentive: something that motivates or encourages one to do something or work harder.
Mary had the incentive to use expensive oil contained in an expensive container, not being concerned about the cost of the oil or the container.
1st Corinthians 10:31 “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”
Motivation: the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.
Mary was motivated to do what she did as an act of worship, and not to impress Jesus or others that were there in the house.
1st Peter 4:10 “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
Priorities: the order of importance of doing things.
Mary’s priority was focused on doing what honored Jesus, and not being discouraged about the comments or what people were saying about why she was using the expensive oil, or breaking the alabaster flask.
Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Often time’s people will question your actions because what they see you doing does not make sense to them. One of the disciples, Judas asked the question “why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”
Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Financial gain should not always be the incentive, motivation or the priority for a person’s actions.
Father in heaven, may both our words and deeds magnify and glorify you, and be pleasing in your eyesight, in Jesus name…Amen!
Continuing in His service…Rev
