Needs or Wants?
ICS Daily Devotions
Matthew 6:32 (NKJV) For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
Have you honestly asked yourself, “Am I in need, or do I simply have too many wants in life?”
The “Gentiles” in the above passage refer to people who do not know or trust God. Those without faith in God often focus their lives on material needs and survival. They anxiously worry because they believe everything depends on their own effort. They are driven by fear, a desire for security, and self-reliance. Idolising their material wealth, their sense of security comes from what they own.
Philippians 4:19 (NKJV) And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
God knows that we need food and clothing. God’s character has been consistent throughout the Bible: He cares for the needs of His people. In the Old Testament, the people of Israel lacked nothing from the time they left Egypt to the time they entered the Promised Land. In fact, the Psalmist states that he has never seen the righteous forsaken, nor their descendants begging for bread, because of God’s faithfulness (Psalm 37:25). Likewise, He will meet all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus—we lack nothing in life.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NKJV) Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
God will meet our basic needs—a roof over our heads, food on the table, and clothes to wear. Therefore, we should be content to live a lifestyle based on what He has provided for us through our jobs and businesses.
However, we need to address our discontent. For example, we may compare our lives with those of others, especially on social media. In fact, if we are not careful, we may become discontented with our spouse’s income and career progress, driven by our desire to improve our lifestyle or maintain it; or we might be concerned about how others perceive us and therefore want an upgrade in our lifestyle, which adds to the stress of discontent. All these make us impatient, frustrated, and discontented!
We may be saved, but we might not have renewed our minds, so many of the world’s values remain in our lives. Therefore, we need to take time to discern the difference between our true needs and the things we merely want.
Reflection: Do you ask God to satisfy your wants instead of your needs? How does knowing that God will supply all your needs impact the way you manage your finances and lifestyle?
Sermon Series: Therapeutic Bird Watching
