Thoughts from a Random Mind

Want means to desire, wish for, or need something. As a noun, it refers to a deficiency, or lack of something.

Need is typically defined as essential requirements for survival, well-being, or the functioning of a system. They are often distinguished from wants, which are desires or aspirations. Needs can be physiological (like food, water, shelter) or psychological (like belonging, self-esteem, or self-actualization).

                  I think a lot of times we confuse in our mind just what a ‘want’ and a ‘need’ are. I purposely laid out definitions of the two words on the outset of this post to clear up any misunderstanding. There happens to be many things in this life that we want, but do we need them? I would like an inground pool in my back yard, but I don’t need it. Now I’m in no way saying that it would be wrong to buy yourself a pool. I just use this example to show what can be a stark difference between wanting and needing something. I think that just may be a big reason why so many people are mired in deep debt financially. Because we impulsively purchase something, perhaps expensive, perhaps not, with your credit card. 

                  That little demon called credit allows us to buy things we may not be able to afford, never thinking when buying that we’ll have to pay back that money with interest tacked on. We got what we wanted, but did we really need it? Even every small item you buy all adds up until before you know it you are $1,000 in debt. Compound that by having multiple methods of expending credit and you’ve begun to create your very own debt monster.

                  As followers and representatives of Christ, we are to emulate Him and in doing so end up shifting our focus on our needs, rather than our wants. I cannot even begin to tell you how many items I felt I had to have throughout my life that ended up being pushed aside with a numbing amount of disinterest shortly after I received it/them. So reflect on the difference of wanting and/or needing something and find that your greatest needs have been met by the Lord and your wants in most cases were inconsequential. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries