Keep The House Smelling Good

Happy Sunday!

Bishop Alexis A. Thomas was ill today, keep him in your prayers. His friend, Pastor A. L. Perkins from Tabernacle of Faith in San Francisco, California preached, "Keep The House Smelling Good!" He used St. John 12:1-8 as his reference scriptures.

"Six days before Passover, Jesus entered Bethany where Lazarus, so recently raised from the dead, was living. Lazarus and his sisters invited Jesus to dinner at their home. Martha served. Lazarus was one of those sitting at the table with them. Mary came in with a jar of very expensive aromatic oils, anointed and massaged Jesus’ feet, and then wiped them with her hair. The fragrance of the oils filled the house.   Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, even then getting ready to betray him, said, “Why wasn’t this oil sold and the money given to the poor? It would have easily brought three hundred silver pieces.” He said this not because he cared two cents about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of their common funds, but also embezzled them. Jesus said, “Let her alone. She’s anticipating and honoring the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you. You don’t always have me.” St. John 12:1-8 (Message Translation)

Everyone we encounter has an odor. No, I don't mean pheromones, funk, or White Diamond Perfume. Everyone is dealing with something that can taint, color, or enhance who they really are or who they appear to be. We are bombarded by pressures, problems, and situations that can make us bitter, fearful, and angry. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church, "Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing." 2 Corinthians 2:15 (New Living Translation)

Even in worhsip services, we sometimes encounter people with an odor. Pastor Perkins called them, CSI - Critical Saint Investigators. They don't want to praise the Lord and they don't want you too either. It reminds me of the story of Job. It says that the day the Sons of God came to present themselves, the devil came too!

If we want to keep the house smelling good, we have to be aware of three things...

1) Love is Displayed - Mary worshipped by giving her best! The lowest servant in the house was said to be the servant that washed the feet of those entering the house. Think about it...there weren't any sidewalks or concrete walkways. Most of the people in that time went barefoot, or wore simple sandals, not Jimmy Choos. Their feet would be dusty and dirty. Mary humbled herself and washed Jesus' feet with the expensive oil, her tears, and her hair. She displayed her love with her actions. Jesus once told his disciples, "If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you." John 14:15 (Message Translation)

2) Love is Denied - Anytime you begin to truly worship the Lord, there will be "Haters". Judas criticized what Mary had done. He wasn't concerned about worship, or protocol. He was concerned about the money. He tried to be religious with his criticism. “Why wasn’t this oil sold and the money given to the poor? It would have easily brought three hundred silver pieces.” He said this not because he cared two cents about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of their common funds, but also embezzled them." Don't be like Judas!

3) Love is Declared - Jesus said, “Let her alone. She’s anticipating and honoring the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you. You don’t always have me.” Jesus told Judas to leave Mary alone! She was doing an honorable thing.

Just like a plug in air freshner, we won't work if we aren't plugged in. Get plugged in to worship, and bible study. Leave people with a pleasant memory of their encounter with you.   Be a blessing to everyone you come in contact with...the smelly and the fresh!

Love and Prayers, Cynthia