Performance In Christianity series
How to Measure Productivity
A deeper look at the productivity of Martha Magdalene, historically we see her as the madam of Magdala and the sister of Mary of Bethany. Her focus for productivity was to prepare Jesus for His death. The people around her who saw the preparation where enraged because the alabaster box was costly 300 denarii, about $54,509 in U.S. dollars (Mark 14:3-9). This gift as a sacrifice was significant to Jesus, but the onlookers thought it better spent on the poor (John 12:5-6).
Jesus saw not only the tribute but the sacrifice of her tears, washing His feet with her hair and anointing His head and feet with the precious ointment. Jesus addressed Simon a Pharisees the father of Judas, with a parable to demonstrate a lesson. The idea of Mary's productivity was not only met with malice but focused on the understanding of God's forgiveness. In Luke 7:36-50, the narrative emphasizes the Grace of God and the hardness of the hearts of men. Simon forgot the welcome custom and instead started complaining about what he thought was important.
What we focus on in life will lead us to levels of productivity that will spring forth living water. Do we understand the value of Christ in our lives? Is there anything that we can not give to the one who died for all our sins? Is giving God a sacrifice, too much to offer for the forgiveness of our sins?
Matthew 26:6–13
Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat [at meat]. But when his disciples saw [it], they had indignation, saying, To what purpose [is] this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. When Jesus understood [it], he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did [it] for my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, [there] shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
LORD God of Truth, Jehovah El Emeth (Psalm 31:5), we thank You for Your Grace and our understanding of purpose. We praise You for productivity, while others may not understand our goal. You have given us a reason. We decree and declare blessings upon those respect the Living Word, so that; by speaking to peace to others, we maintain our focus doing Your Will. Now, for the Kingdom and the Glory of God, we petition, with anointing in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior, Amen.