“While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head. The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” (Matthew 26:7-8 NLT)
Since Catholic priests make vows of celibacy, many women consider it a lost opportunity when a really handsome guy joins the priesthood. This belief has given rise to the humorous term: ‘Father What-A-Waste’--a phrase used to describe Catholic priests who are good-looking. Similarly, when people devote the prime of their lives to seeking and serving God, many find this wasteful--as if prayer and spiritual activities are best left to those who can’t do much else. Those who are young and vital are encouraged to pursue worldly goals--to follow their ambitions, to earn money, to enjoy themselves, and to amass personal achievements. Pouring out your precious years and abilities to serve God is often considered extravagantly inefficient.
Many of us are reluctant to even spend productive daylight hours alone with God. We may also hesitate to give up evenings when our families are home and there are good prime time TV shows or sporting events going on. If we give God our time and energy, it is usually when we are have very little left to give. We attempt to pray and connect with Jesus when we are sick, tired, desperate, and/or distracted.
Let us offer the most precious parts of our lives to God. It is time to break open our alabaster jars and pour out our most cherished valuables for His sake. He is worthy. Not much else is.
Lord, help me to release everything I hold dear. I want to pour myself out at your feet. Show me how to give my best, without reservations.
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