More people than I care to mention don’t understand the importance of knowing the difference between “want” versus “need.” Don’t you almost always view “want” and “need” in terms of physical assistance or survival? This time around, let’s talk about some other types of “want” versus “need” that indeed can have eternal consequences. We see it and experience it nearly every day; I am certainly not an exception. Somebody even gave me a T-shirt awhile back that states: “Definition of Stress: It’s the conflict between mind and the body’s desire to choke the living daylights out of someone who desperately deserves it.”
Put another way: we may secretly WANT to bestow some kind of clear negative consequences upon those who make our “blood boil” or those who have treated us badly,… but what we NEED to do is pray for them and ask God to fill them with the Holy Spirit and to bless them richly. Jesus said: “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use (abuse) you” (Luke 6: 27-28).
We may WANT all kinds of “stuff,” thingies, awesome attire, and beautifully furnished mansions with our own private jet and pilot… but what we NEED is just food on the table and a roof over our heads. Jesus said: “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6: 11). Our daily bread can be thought of as everything we need for survival… Jesus did not teach to ask for all we want, but all we need” (Marshall News Messenger, 8-22-2020).
We may have always WANTED an important title, positions of authority, and the power to do great things,… but what we NEED is to seek a saving relationship with our creator and savior, with humility and love and Jesus as our guide and example. Jesus said: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6: 33-34).
Folks, we’re all operating on borrowed time here! The daily news cycle is choked with stories of wanton power & greed, deception & lies, world war & mass destruction of every kind. God’s angels of mercy are holding back the winds of strife just a tiny bit longer. The next few days, weeks, or months may be our last opportunity to put into motion God’s NEED in our lives, and for us to reject all the worthless WANTS we have piled up. Paul said: “We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: “in an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor 6: 1 -2).