It’s interesting the things we define as needs anymore. I sometimes think I need something. But when I really think about it, it’s really just a want. I’m just wondering, “When did my wants start to become needs?”
Our culture today seems to have a loose definition of the term ‘need’. When did multiple computers, flatscreen TV’s and cellphones per household become commonplace? I don’t know, I suppose part of it is the way things have become so commercialized. We are bombarded with ads for things at every turn. We are continually confronted with advertising messages until whatever they’re trying to push on us seems to become just a required staple like milk and bread. After a while we must start to think, “Well, how can I possibly live without a new Iphone? Look at all the new features it has. Certainly, I need a bigger screen.” Maybe it’s a kind of brainwashing. Maybe the messages become so prevalent, we just comply under pressure.
Certainly, some of my dissatisfaction is just discontent through comparison. Many of my possessions seem perfectly fine until I see someone’s newer and better versions of whatever I have. Then mine suddenly doesn’t look so good. I can’t even blame that one on the advertisers. That’s just consumer envy. Something becomes inferior by comparison. But maybe my standard is skewed. Maybe, as long as it works for me, it’s perfectly fine.
Of course, it’s quite possible that we’ve just become spoiled. Maybe we’ve just become spoiled compared to previous generations. I know that’s the case, to some degree. A lot has changed in the last 100 years. The conveniences we have today don’t even compare to those even 50 years ago. And much of that is specific to this country. Those at the poorest levels in the United States are better off than much of the rest of world. We sort of live in a cocoon here.
Regardless of the reasons for my redefinition of wants, I’m thankful for the advantage we have here in material wealth. Of course, the danger that comes with the prevalence of material wealth is blurring of lines between wants and needs. The bar keeps getting raised higher and higher in order for something to qualify as a need. And in order to gain some perspective, I don’t think we need to ditch all of our stuff. Probably, what makes sense, is to just change my view on what I do have, and also call my future purchases for what they are. If it’s a want, call it a want. If it’s a need, call it a need. Maybe, this consciousness in itself will make me re-think some of my buying decisions. I guess, the important thing is that I’m being honest with myself. Maybe what I need most is just clarity—clarity to see something for what it is.
The things we define as needs in our lives is probably a good indicator of how our perceptions have been skewed. When we read the Bible, it helps to bring our perceptions back into the proper alignment. Sort of like going to the eye doctor and getting a new pair of glasses. Now, you can see things clearly for what they are.
AV Hebrews 13:5: “[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” When we are constantly speaking of all the different things we want, it implies some discontent on our parts. I believe thankfulness for what we do have can help pull us in the other direction. Just being happy with what I do have can give me a fresh perspective. A covetous heart will always lead to discontent. A thankful heart naturally leads to contentment.
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AV Philippians 4:11-12: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Paul had learned to find a true state of contentment regardless of his circumstances. I believe it’s because his focus was on the right things. He was a big picture kind of guy. He was focusing on the Lord and the things He had for him to do. He was on a mission. He knew there were bigger things at stake. I also believe he had achieved that level of contentment in the Lord where worldly things seemed to fade in comparison.
AV 1 Corinthians 7:17: “But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.” One thing to remember is to leave our material wealth and pursuits in God’s hands. The things He has for us He will bring to us in His time. When we subject our wants and desires to Him and His will for our lives we are honoring Him and allowing Him to move us down His path for us.
AV Proverbs 16:8: “Better [is] a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.” Remembering the big picture is also valuable for us individually. Living a Godly, righteous life in Him is our highest priority. We can have all the material wealth in the world, but what value is it, really, if we sacrifice a righteous and clean life for it? We can have not only the value of knowing that we are living right, but also knowing that we are following the will of God.
AV Hebrews 13:5: “[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
AV Philippians 4:11-12: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”
AV 1 Corinthians 7:17: “But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.”
AV Proverbs 16:8: “Better [is] a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.”