Mary the sister of Lazarus “took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair” (John 12:3).

That pure nard was equivalent in value to about $30,000! That’s how grateful she was to Jesus. She was trying to show her devotion with her thankfulness.

Of the many things a story like this teaches us, one of them is surely this: Jesus wants the best of us, not what’s left of us.

Don’t get me wrong. He also wants what you have to give when you’re tired, weak and worn out. But this is about consciously setting priorities. We strive to put him first, not last.

This costly, whole-hearted devotion will look different for different people. For some it will be financial generosity toward God’s work in the world. For others it will be sacrificing something that gives them comfort and security so that they can serve in a more profound way, or making a personal sacrifice so that the kingdom of God takes more ground.

Is God the god-of-your-scraps or the God of your salvation?

I’m not suggesting that we all go out and blow 30G’s on pure nard to pour on someone’s feet. I’m suggesting we be honest with ourselves about whether or not we’re grateful to God, and whether we show it in a meaningful way.

Jesus wants the best of us, not what’s left of us.

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Notes:

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.