Trying to be like Jesus - the poor

For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. - John 12:8

Although we covered the story of Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus last week, this particular line sticks out at me, and I wanted to return to it.

The main reason it sticks out is because it feels like such an indictment: no matter how many things I have told you about serving each other, and the obstacle wealth is to your salvation, 2000 years will go by and you will still be getting it wrong.

It's not how he is saying it there. Mary is doing something for this specific time, and she will not get another chance. Yes, she could save the ointment for his actual burial, but she wants him to be present, and to know, and time is running out for that. His mortal ministry is coming to a close and there is a sense of urgency.

Timeliness can be an important factor in decision-making, but so can perspective. Knowing that we will not get it right in thousands of years may give us some leeway to seek happiness where we can.

I am a big fan of L.M. Montgomery. In her Emily books there is a person in the community, Aunt Janey, who has forsworn silk dresses until all the world is converted. I think at the time a woman in that economic class would have one silk dress at a time - so one nicer dress, with the others being less expensive. It was not extravagant, but having that nicer dress would cost a small sum of extra money, and for Janey any extra was going to go to missionary work. It is never implied that she is any less than sincere; she truly wants everyone converted and this is the sacrifice she can make for it. If that felt right for her, that can be a good decision.

It probably also would not have much impact on missionary efforts, even if she were not a fictional character. Therefore, it could also be a fine decision to have one nicer dress. If that's what you like, if you feel nicer when you are wearing that dress than the other dresses, that can be a good thing.

I know these posts get repetitive: You can do the things you want! You can be yourself! I still find value in reiterating that Jesus does not show contempt for the joys and pleasures of ordinary life. If we are working to build a more just world where everyone can have those pleasures, then we must believe in them too. And if we are working against horrible odds where it will really only be resolved by Christ's return, then we might as well balance our work toward an eternal reward with also enjoying small rewards all along the way.

It is so easy for religious people to become cranks and sourpusses, caught up in the wickedness around them and thoroughly disheartened. There is still good all around too, and many opportunities for enjoyment.

If there are often reasonable questions about the best balance, don't worry so much about the specifics, but focus on the overall result. I always go back to Galatians 5:22:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,"

If I am feeling those things, then I am probably doing all right. If not, then I need to examine that and adjust.

Go forth with a good heart.