When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked.  “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”

Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Matthew 26:8-13

            Jesus applauded the woman who anointed him with perfume, despite the opposition heard from others.  They complained about the expense and how it could be given to the poor.  Jesus’ argument was good one—the poor will always be with us.  So, now, should churches give more to the poor than they do?

            Churches must be about expanding and reaching more people for Christ.  That could be done through poverty programs and it can be done through maintaining the church grounds.  It really takes wisdom and balance.  If a church didn’t paint their buildings, fix their roofs or landscape, people wouldn’t show up to an unkept dump, including some rich person who could finance their outreach to the poor.