Discerning Wants From Needs

The more affluent we become, the harder it is to distinguish between our wants and our needs. And sadly, at some point, those wants can drive us to ruin.

Early in the 19^th Century, Napoleon was obsessed with expanding the French empire, so despite the warnings of insurmountable logistical challenges, he invaded Russia. That desire for dominance led to a disastrous retreat, with the harsh winter and lack of supplies decimating his army. Napoleon’s personal ambition for power blinded him to the needs of his forces, ultimately leading to his downfall.

Question: when have you deluded yourself into believing that a want of yours was actually a need? I just have to have this thing! How did it turn out for you? I think we all have regrets in that department. Most of us can look back and wish that we hadn’t fallen for the lie, whether it put us into debt or perhaps ruined relationships.

But here’s some good news. God doesn’t want you to fall into that trap ever again. And I’m believing that today the power of His Word is going to lead to a change of heart when it comes to your wants versus your needs.

Proverbs 30:8-9 [God] don’t make me too rich or too poor—give me only enough food for each day. If I have too much, I might deny that I need you, LORD. But if I am too poor, I might steal and bring shame to the name of my God.

Listen to me, no matter how dire things may seem, God will always provide for your needs. But He loves you too much to pander to your wants because if He gives you too much, your pride may well consume you.  

That’s His Word. Fresh … for you … today.