All I Need...

In light of recent experiences Johanna and I have had, we have been evaluating, struggling, journeying, learning, and growing in our understanding of what we really need in life. We have been challenged by messages we have heard from godly speakers who are seeking to live simply in order that others may simply live. We have been challenged by sharing life with people who live on so much less than we do and are so grateful and blessed to do so. That has got us, and me individually, looking at what I really need in life versus what I want - and only really think I need. There is a big difference in what we want and what we need, but so many of us in America, specifically in the American church, have confused the too. God never promised to give us what we want but rather to provide for all our needs. There is a difference. But so many times when we can't get what we want - that new car like the neighbors got, the new house that we really wanted, that new pair of shoes or that summer vacation, then we act like the spoiled little brat in the aisle of the toy store who has just been told by his parents that he cannot have the toy he wants. And he responds by screaming, "But I need it! I have to have it!" So many times that is how we approach life. We, even sadly so and especially so in the church, have become consumers. We have confused the promise from God to supply all our needs to be a guarantee by God to be our Giant Santa Clause in the Sky and give us all that we want and ask for...And then we get mad or upset or jealous of others when we don't get that thing that we want, but don't really need...We even bring that attitude to church...Our country is filled with churches full of people who are nothing more than church shoppers...They go from church to church looking for what they can get. What can you do for my children? What can you do for my teenagers? What can you do to give me that warm fuzzy feeling on Sunday mornings? What can you do for me? And we become nothing more than consumers of a spiritual experience, instead of worshippers of God and missionaries for the gospel of Christ. Unfortunately, God does not seek consumers. He seeks true worshippers. And God is not impressed by us seeking the perfect worship experience that makes us feel all good inside, but instead desires for us to seek the souls of men and women who do not know the love, grace, and truth of Jesus.

We all need to examine our needs and our wants. We need to closely examine how we spend our money. Is it bringing glory to God and good to others? Is it benefiting his kingdom or our comfort? We need to closely examine how we spend our time. Is it bringing comfort to us and our own desires or are we using it to comfort those who are hurting and serve those who are in need? We need to closely examine how we are using our talents. Are we seeking to find a place that suits us and fulfills all of our wants or are we spending of ourselves so that others might see the glory of God, finding places to use our talents and gifts to serve the kingdom? Just something to think about over the weekend...What do we want and what do we need?

Here's a cool song by Shawn McDonald called All I Need that examines this topic in a similar light: