The Heart of True Service

The Heart of True Service Reading: John 12:1-8

Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”

Devotional: Yesterday, we saw Mary sitting at Jesus' feet. Today, we see her again, this time anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. Both acts demonstrate a heart fully devoted to Christ. Martha served too, but her service flowed from a different place.

True service to God springs from a heart that has first been in His presence. It's not about how much we do, but the love from which our actions flow. Mary's extravagant act of worship came from a place of deep love and gratitude.

Consider your service to God and others. Is it driven by duty or devotion? By love or obligation? Ask God to fill your heart afresh with His love, so that all you do flows from a place of worship and adoration.

Prayer: Father, may my service to You and others always flow from a heart overflowing with Your love. Help me to serve not out of duty, but out of delight in You.