Wants and Needs

My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:19

“You’re old enough for your wants not to hurt you” is a phrase sometimes heard during childhood. It’s usually said by an adult when children whine about not getting their way, whether they want a new puppy or to make up their own rules instead of following ours. They’re asking for something that the adult believes is a want, not a need. We can easily see the difference between wants and needs when we’re the parent teaching our child. It’s not always so obvious, however, or as easy to accept when we’re the person with a “want.” The world’s version of what’s important to do, to have, or to want is often different from what God says is important. Even when we love God and try to follow His teachings, we can fall into the trap of thinking we need things that really are better classified as “wants.”

God gives us everything we need: food, shelter, clothing, love. Then God goes beyond that by blessing us with many other things that we don’t necessarily need but that we want: another car for the family, a larger home in a nicer neighborhood, the funds to pay for a vacation or our children’s activities. There’s nothing wrong with wanting nice things for ourselves or our family, especially if the desire coincides with God’s plan. Having a larger home might give us the space to host an exchange student. Allowing our child to join a different gymnastics program could lead to better opportunities later. The thing to remember is that wants and needs are all about perspective, whether we’re looking at our own or our child’s. When we ask God for His perspective, He’ll help us know which is which.

Lord, You know how hard it can be to focus on what I really need instead of just what I want. Teach me to do better with knowing the difference so I can also teach it to my children. Amen.