...other meditations

need or want ?

what if i was to ask you to this question, "what brings you the most happiness in life?" could you come up with one sure-fire answer or would you have to refrain from answering because of its infinite nature of possibilities? one thing is for sure, it is a question that will certainly produce one or more thoughts or ideas. it is simply a question that targets our level of contentment. now, let us kick it up a notch with these questions: "is there anything that you need?" "is there anything that you want?" "is there a difference between need and want?" the words "need" and "want" are described in the dictionary as follows:

     need (v.t.) — (1) to have an urgent or essential use for (something lacking);
                             want; require.

     want (v.t.) — (1) to feel a desire or wish for. (3) to be deficient in; lacking;
                             be without. (5) to need; require.

very similar in definition, but there are very slight differences. for instance, a need for something has a sense of urgency behind it; a necessary feeling of lack. on the other hand, a want is more of a desire; a deficiency, none the less, but not essential. if i should say, "i need a new car", what i really should've said was "i want a new car." God knows i've been blessed with two perfectly fine vehicles. they aren't the prettiest, fastest or newest cars, but they certainly get the job done. here's another scenario. after a visit with a cardiologist, he tells you there is damage to your heart and you must undergo surgery. do you come home and tell your family "i want heart surgery," or do you tell them, "i need heart surgery." here is the point I am trying to make. before we open our mouths to express a lack in our lives, we must be careful to think first if it is a need or a want. please read the following scripture verse:

"keep falsehood and lies far from me; give neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread." proverbs 30:8 (niv)

just our daily bread, please. that's all we truly need. we must to learn to be content with what God so richly blesses us with everyday. we are so used to receiving the things we want. will it ever be enough? will we become numb to the feeling of satisfaction? 1 timothy 6:7 reads "we brought nothing into the world, so we can take nothing out." our "toys" and possessions fade and wither away, but our precious Gift of Salvation, that comes from our Lord Jesus Christ, endures for Eternity. the simple things!

family, friends, the clothes on our backs, every morsel of food, our spiritual gifts and talents, even the next breath we take, are all blessings from God. i believe, if we stacked our needs up against our wants, our want pile would tower in comparison with the need pile. why? simply put, God already cares for and provides our needs. He is concerned with everything that goes on in our lives.

in this "i want" Society, where people get whatever they desire, remember this: do not succumb to the distractions of your wants. let us remember that there are still those who cry, "i need!" be content with everything God has given you. count your blessings-(if you can count that high). stop living foolishly and selfishly! It's time to live selflessly as a "Fool" for Christ!

Christ's content servant,

Tamara