It is an interesting question to think about – who is really worthy of your time and money? It’s not an arrogant question, it is a practical one with significant implications.
A good friend of mine, Joshua Brooks, was speaking at a family camp, and he posed this question. The context for the question was the extravagant act of pouring out on Jesus a resource that was the equivalent of year’s salary.
“A woman came in with a beautiful alabaster Jar of expensive perfume made from the essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his (Jesus) head. Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly. But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me?” Mark 14: 3-6
The challenge was to ask each person to consider who they view as worthy of two of the most precious commodities we have; money and time.
So much of our thinking and actions related to money and time have to do with returns and results. The common leading questions are: “What am I getting out of this?”, “Is there a good return on investment?”, or “How will this benefit me and my future?”
While these questions do have value, there is an underlying focus that is much more important: Who or what am I going to give my life to? Who or what am I going to give time and money to?
Long ago I decided to give my life to a relationship with Jesus Christ. I did this because I really needed him. As time has gone on, I have learned that I am giving more and more of who I am because his is worthy and His love is life changing.
There are so many requests for my limited time. There is even competition within myself where I choose things that simply use up all of my time and find myself not connecting with Jesus, the one who loves me and knows me more than anyone else.
There are also so many requests for my limited money. From day to day living expenses to the tension between needs and wants. Each month priorities have to be adjusted to realities. The money that always brings me the most joy and fulfillment, is the money given to help other people because of all that Jesus has done for me.
My answer to Joshua’s question is that the most meaningful use of my time and money is always connected to my relationship with Jesus….because…He alone is worthy.