God’s Provision in a World of Wants
ICS Daily Devotions
1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV) Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
It is important that we distinguish between our needs and our wants, which are vastly different. The things that we want can be a bottomless pit, risking our destruction. In fact, the things we want might not even be beneficial for us. The world wants us to conform to its standard of success, to think and behave as it does, and to share its values. However, if we do, the things we want in our lives will always leave us unfulfilled. The flesh plays a big part in making us dissatisfied and pursue our wants even when our needs are met. Consequently, we want God to satisfy our wants, not our needs.
Romans 12:1-2 caution us against being conformed to this world without being renewed in our minds with the Word of God. The world often judges success and shapes people’s identities based on outward, visible achievements, especially things that can be quantified, compared, or displayed. Examples include money and wealth, status and titles, power and influence, or image and appearance. Some of us are beating ourselves up because we are not measuring up to the world’s definition of success. However, if you pause for a second and ask yourself whether the things listed above are what you truly want for yourself and your children, you might find that they are not.
Many people aim to maintain or desire a particular lifestyle, even though it might be costly and beyond their financial means, leading them to accumulate credit card debts. Some want the latest gadgets, such as a new mobile phone, headphones, or the newest electric vehicle. Meanwhile, many young individuals aspire to travel the world by a certain age, and some believe they must stay at specific hotels, dine at certain restaurants, drink the most expensive beverages, and fly business class. However, these are wants, not needs, and they can cause stress if unmet.
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
God, who loves us unconditionally, will provide for all our needs. We have seen this throughout the Old Testament. This instruction is meant to give us peace of mind to function well each day. We will not be worried or anxious about our needs if we seek the Kingdom of God first, and God will provide and come through for us when we are aligned with His will for our lives.
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to resist conforming to worldly expectations in your daily life?
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