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Stupid Things People Do

Throughout history men and women both have done some pretty stupid things. Have you heard the story about a woman named Maggie who went to the shopping mall and spent an entire year’s salary in one afternoon? She went to the bank one morning and cashed in her IRA, and went shopping that afternoon for one item. She came home with a bag, and she put the gift away in a freezer in the basement.

Several weeks later Maggie’s family had a big party to show their appreciation to a neighbor, Josh, who had rescued their cat, Simone, from an apple tree in his backyard. Simone was a beautiful Persian cat with a bubbly personality. The whole family was greatly appreciative of Josh’s heroic efforts. About halfway through the party, Maggie disappeared into the hallway and emerged with a beautifully wrapped present for Josh. Everyone paused as Maggie presented Josh with this spectacular package. Josh opened the gift and revealed a frozen haute chocolate.

Maggie’s cousin, Jude, who was a wealthy food connoisseur, immediately began describing the desert. A frozen haute chocolate is a delectable dessert made from exclusive cocoas from around the world and 5 grams of 24 carat edible gold topped with whipped cream. Jude was shocked that Maggie could be so wasteful, and he revealed the staggering cost of the dessert – $25,000! Can you imagine someone being so irresponsible?

Well, maybe that wasn’t exactly the story I read this morning, but it was close. The story I read was about a woman who anointed Jesus with very expensive perfume during a party one night. Everyone was shocked at how careless the woman had been with such an expensive gift. They waited for Jesus to scold her for wasting a gift that could have fed 50,000 people! Instead, Jesus recognized the woman’s heartfelt devotion and act of worship. He applauded her generosity toward Him.

The story about Maggie was fictional and ridiculous. The story about Jesus being anointed with expensive perfume is true yet equally illogical. I was reminded by the story of Jesus being anointed that there is a time to turn off the calculator. There is a time to abandon my logic. There is a time for extravagant worship that expresses my devotion to my King. There is a time to care less about what others think and more about what God thinks.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8

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