What you want versus what you need

Take a moment to check out that title. Sometimes, we mix them both up. Wants and needs. We've heard several definitions of both. Let me make a simple reference to these, below.

Wants are simply the things you desire to have, but not necessarily need.

Needs are simply the things you must have to survive here on earth

That said, let's take into account all the things you "want" in this life. You want a cool car, a posh house, a dream job or a thriving business. You want a tall, dark and handsome chap or a beautiful looking damsel. You want a flawless body. You want to spend your honeymoon in the most expensive suite at Burj Khalifa. You want to wear all the precious stones in the world on one hand. You want everything money can buy, and more. You want to visit Mars. You also want to go to Disneyworld, and while you're at it, you consider sky-diving or bungee jumping. Safari trips with real lions or open ocean diving with sharks. You also need a really expensive phone to capture all these moments, designer clothes to wear when you travel. Seemingly trivial stuff, yea?

Now, let's talk a bit about needs.

You need clothes. You need food, a decent accommodation. You need income. You need relationships. You need support systems. You need exercise. You need an education to have a competitive edge in the world over other people. You also need to consistently upgrade and train yourself to remain relevant in the workplace/labour market. You need the guidance of a parent/guardian. You need the leading of a role model or mentor. 

Somehow, if you were to build a personal list of everything you WANT versus what you NEED, you'd see that the wants are a lot more than the needs.

Now, this post speaks to a generic context, I know people have different tailored needs for different seasons of their lives. I would love you to add some needs to the comment box if you think this list didn't capture enough because I'm pretty sure it's an inexhaustive list for so many of us. But one thing will always ring true - your needs and your wants are equally relevant. Yep!

Who doesn't want the best life? Who doesn't want the best jobs, the best schools, the best living conditions, the best spouse, the best of everything??? I sure do, and I know God wants the same for me too. That's why the bible says, ...He has given unto us ALL things that pertain to life and godliness...  (2 Peter 1:3a)

You were probably expecting this write up to go in a different direction, but hey! The desires of your heart are not excessive, they are valid, especially when they align with His will for you. God places these desires within us for His purpose, such that ultimately, everything we are points to His glory. 

When your wants become an obsession, they become a frustration that leads you into negative desperation. Then you become unhappy that the things you "want" are tarrying, and eventually, you are compelled to make them lead you to sin or to bring shame to His name, and your motives from the onset of those "wants" are questionable. Selfish desires have a short lifespan. Godly desires have eternal consequences.

Don't let your wants gain dominance over your spirit man. Place them side by side with His promises to you, and as long as they align, you are in check. 

I hope this blessed you! Drop a comment!