"For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me." - Joh 12:8 ESV.
Every one of us have those things that matter more compared to others. These represent the people, causes, and pursuits that hold the utmost significance in our hearts. Think about it – for parents, it's usually their children; for politicians, ideally, it's their constituents; for the charity-minded, it's the poor and the needy. We prioritize that which is important, but how do we decide what's truly important amidst the chaos of life's demands and distractions? Perhaps in the Gospel of John, chapter 12, verses 1-8, we can find a lesson that can guide us in making these critical decisions.
The essence of life often boils down to prioritizing what matters most. We all do it in one way or another. For parents, their children's well-being and happiness take precedence over everything else. Politicians, in an ideal world, prioritize the welfare of their constituents as they make decisions that impact society. Those with a compassionate heart focus on aiding the poor and the needy, recognizing the importance of alleviating suffering. We prioritize based on what we believe is crucial to our existence and purpose.
So, how do we decide what's important? There are several bases on which we make these crucial decisions.
Firstly, we often prioritize on the basis of urgency. When a situation demands immediate attention, it naturally rises to the top of our priority list. This is a practical approach to ensuring that we address critical matters promptly.
Secondly, practicality plays a significant role. We assess what can be achieved realistically within our capabilities and resources. Prioritizing based on practicality ensures that we don't overextend ourselves and can sustain our efforts over the long term.
Lastly, feelings also influence our decisions. Emotions can be powerful motivators, and they often guide us towards what we deeply care about. Our passions and desires are essential elements that shape our priorities.
In the account of John 12, we find Jesus and His disciples grappling with differing opinions on what matters most. Judas, one of Jesus' disciples, wanted a valuable perfume to be sold to raise money for the poor. However, in the accounts of Mark and Matthew, it becomes evident that Judas wasn't the only one who questioned the use of the perfume. The disciples were divided on how the perfume should be used.
Jesus, as the ultimate source of wisdom and compassion, set the record straight. He acknowledged the importance of having compassion for the poor, a sentiment we can all resonate with. However, Jesus also imparted a profound truth – "You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me." This statement sheds light on the transient nature of certain opportunities and moments in life. Some people and situations may only be with us for a short time and should require immediate attention. Jesus didn't mince words when He implied, "I am your priority."
The diversity of opinions among the disciples highlights the need for a better standard of prioritization. As humans, we are prone to the whims and dictates of our feelings. Our judgments can be clouded by personal biases and emotions. Therefore, we cannot solely rely on ourselves to determine what matters most. In our quest to prioritize wisely, we must seek a higher standard. God, the ultimate source of wisdom and discernment, can guide us in discerning what's more important among the choices that we face. However, this guidance is only effective if we are willing to listen and open our hearts to His wisdom. Seeking divine guidance through prayer, meditation, and reflection can lead us to make choices that align with our deeper purpose and values.
In conclusion, the story from John 12:1-8 reminds us of the constant struggle to prioritize what truly matters in our lives. While our feelings and opinions may lead us in different directions, seeking divine guidance can provide us with a steadfast standard. Just as the disciples learned from Jesus, we too can discover that some opportunities and moments are fleeting, requiring immediate attention. As we grapple with this issue, let us turn to God for guidance, trusting in His wisdom to illuminate our path.
