In this sermon The Good Work of Wasted Ointment,  there is a purpose for all things in life and the greatest waste in life comes from hoarding things, in keeping them from their proper use in life.  The perfume would have been wasted had it not been used. Some hoard up bitterness when they ought to let go of long past and often forgotten hurts.  Some hoard up anger when they ought to pour out forgiveness. They may hoard up jealousy when they should find contentment with life. Some hoard up long nurtured grudges when they ought to pour out thankfulness. They hoard up old hurts when they ought to give in to spiritual healing. Some hoard up past mistakes of others when they ought to hold themselves to the same expectations. This will generate mercy in your life. Hoarded up perfume will never become a memorial before God.  It is only when we really let things pour out of our spirits that God can use us as He sees fit.