Breaking Behavior Patterns

By Penny Smith

One of the most defeating areas in a Christian's life is that of breaking negative behavior patterns. Am I testy when criticized, jealous when overlooked, or easily offended? If so, I may actually impede the process of reversing those behaviors. For example, consider the account of the woman with the alabaster box.

"For what purpose has this perfume been wasted?" the disciples complained Mark 14: 4 Isn't this typical of the human approach? To save, to hoard, to keep it for ourselves?

By contrast, this woman arrived at the home of Simon the leper in Bethany, with a mission: To break the vial and pour its precious contents over Jesus. This act represented the anointing of His body for burial, which would normally occur after death (verse 8). Strong objections to this seeming extravagance elicited the following response from Jesus: “Let her alone; why do you bother her?”

The passage reveals little about the vessel, the alabaster box. Apparently, it was the contents that were costly. Bible commentators reckon that the vial of perfumed ointment was equivalent to a week's wage. More significant than its actual value, however, is the process by which it was released. The oil was encased in an alabaster box and when the box was broken the oil poured out.

Likewise, the believer in Christ is given a mission. “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it”(I Cor. 12: 27 We are called to pour out the graces of Jesus within, just as the Good Samaritan poured oil and wine on the man found wounded on the Jericho road. We may be unworthy of such a monumental task, but Paul reminds us that: "we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us" 2 Corinthians 4:7

At times it is through brokenness that others will see Christ within us. The opening of the vessel of our life to reveal Christ in us is our individual responsibility. This is accomplished by a deliberate action of pouring forth the Christian graces within.

When our spiritual peace is invaded, it signals us to break the box and pour out the oil. Two methods are available to the believer. One is simple obedience to His Word. A second method of opening the vessel is within the prayer chamber. Remaining in prayer until an inner melting occurs is insurance against a hardened heart. Negative reactions to life situations build stubbornness, resentment and pride, but prayer chips away the residue of self-will.

The next time we are tempted to react with anger, impatience, or frustration, let’s break the chain of events by a conscious reversal of thoughts and subsequent actions. God will meet us at that point and pour His sufficiency upon us, but not until we make the effort.

Whenever we deliberately determine to break negative behavior patterns, a change follows. We allow the precious ointment to pour forth and bless others -- and we too are blessed. Break the box and lift up Jesus.

Penny Smith writes from Hazleton, Pennsylvania. psmithgtg@verizon.net