“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.”
Mark 14:6
Whether single or married, sometimes we wonder if living for Jesus is a waste. You are waiting for marriage and not having sex, but it is your friend who isn’t waiting that gets a husband. Other married couples who don’t even go to church are always hand in hand like a Hallmark card, and your marriage is barely holding it together.
During a challenging time in my marriage, I was advised to not waste my time staying in a marriage that had no future. Through my tears and seeking God for answers, he let me know that he loved me and to trust him during the difficult season of my marriage. As an expression of my love for Jesus, through his grace, I offered my husband the gift of unconditional love. Displaying a beautiful similarity to Jesus for God’s glory is what mattered most to me. What seems like a waste to others is not a waste to God.
In the book, You & Me Forever, written by Francis and Lisa Chan, there is a chapter titled “Don’t Waste Your Marriage”. The book challenges us to view marriage in light of eternity and to pursue God first and most.
Although the woman in the passage of Mark is not named, her extravagant devotion and sacrifice is mentioned in the gospel for all to remember.
While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.
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.
“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.”
Mark 14:3-6
The love Jesus has for us and what he has done for us helps us not to lose heart when we feel what we are doing is a waste of time and effort. Doing something beautiful for Jesus is costly and foolish to others. But the pursuit of doing something beautiful for Jesus for his glory should be our greatest aim.
Prayer: Lord, Jesus, thank you that your death on the cross was not a waste. Even while we were yet sinners, you died for us. Help me to live in such a way that will make you say that I have done something beautiful to you and for you.