If what we call love does not take us beyond ourselves, it is not really love.  If we have the idea that love is characterized as cautious, wise, sensible, shrewd, and never taken to extremes, we have missed the true meaning.  This type of love may describe affection, and it may bring us a warm feeling, but it is not a true and accurate description of love.

            “She has done a good work for Me.” (Matt. 26:10) In John’s account of the incident we understand that Mary came to the House of Simon and anointed the head of Jesus with very expensive oil.  Her consideration and care went beyond anointing that we find her wiping his feet with her hair.  Her decision to do so was motivated by love for the Lord. Have you ever been motivated to do something for God not because you felt that it was useful or your duty to do so, or that there was anything in it for you, but simply because you love Him?  Have you ever realized that you can give things to God that are of value or have worth to Him?  Many are content to just sit around and daydream about the greatness of God.  To sit and ponder the greatness of God, to talk about God’s plan of redemption, while neglecting all the things they could be doing for Him.  There are many things we do in life, that become evidence to God that we are totally surrendered to Him.  These things we do for God do not have to be of great proportion.  On the contrary, many of the things we can do would be considered ordinary and simple in the life we live.  Jesus said of Mary – “She has done what she could.”(Mark 14:8) 

            The widow that gave two mites did not give a great amount according to the standards of the world (Mark 12:42-44).  The fact is she gave of herself (all she had).  Read Mark 12:43 again, notice what Jesus has to say about the matter.  “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury.”  What would motivate a person to give in such a manner.  LOVE!  There is a great lesson for us to gain from Jesus words.  The Lord is not looking at the size of the contribution.  God is not concerned with our greatness.  God is looking to see if we are committed to Him.  “She has done what she could.” 

            There are times in our lives that God watching to see what we are willing too do.  Are we willing to give even the small gifts as we are given the opportunity?  God provides the test to show our degree of love for Him.  These small tests will show our faith.  Those with a genuine love for the Lord do not have to consider the cost, or what will be given in return.  It is not a decision based upon being given something back in return.  Those with a true love for the Lord understand that they have already received in abundance the greatest reward possible and it can not be repaid – the gift of God’s love and the promise of salvation through Jesus His Son.

      When a person decides to surrender their life to God and live according to His desire, the concern for self is replaced with a desire and concern for others.  Fear of the day to day issues of life are consumed by a desire to simply do something good for the Lord because we love Him and desire that others come to know and understand the love of God that brings peace to the hearts of man.  The issue is not, am I of use to God, but “am I of value to God.”  As children of God we are valuable, we have worth.  There can be no doubt of the value God places on us.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

            God has the ability to work through any means He chooses to show others the way to salvation, to help others in need, to show care and concern for someone suffering.  He chose to use His word and those who have a knowledge of His word.  He chose to let those who have experienced His love share in that love with others.  Once we are totally surrendered to God, He will work through us to accomplish His will.  Jesus said, “She has done what she could.”  The question today is what about me – would Jesus make the same statement of me?                      Think about it!!!                        Mike