Praise God for what you have, trust Him for what you need.
It is those wants though that we must consider in this short letter to you today.
I fear that most who have been born-again bring into their thoughts 1st John 2:16 when it comes to that word “wants.” “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” The contemplation of what the Lord has labeled sin, not only in our actions, but in our thoughts, those desires that are available to us in this world that will cause us to draw away from Him, to take, at least temporarily, a side road on the path we are to keep our feet firmly planted on and moving forwards towards that strait gate.
The way out of every temptation is clearly shown to us, usually at the same moment it arrives, the Holy Spirit reveals it to us almost immediately within our conscience. It is why we will be held accountable for all our actions, words and deeds, not Satan, not the person or item that is attempting to draw us away from a life that should be lived to the glory of God. But what of those wants that are not sinful, those desires that can be classified as neither good or evil?
The fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was not evil in itself, nor was the thought of what would occur if one partook of it, the action of disobedience to the command of the Almighty was what brought the curses.
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” (1st Cor. 6:12)
Paul was cold in that prison cell, was it sinful to ask that his cloak be brought to him, or should he have just resigned himself to the idea that if he was cold, it was because God wanted him cold? That new dress, new suit or new pair of shoes, when you may have several in your closet now, is it a sin to purchase it? A better job so that you can give more of your money to the Lord will avail you no rewards in heaven if you are not giving with a cheerful heart of what you have been blessed to earn today my friends.
Wants are perhaps one of the most difficult subjects to define, for what one person wants another may have no desire for. A gold-plated writing utensil with silver lining will pen these letters to you no more proficiently than a cheap off the shelf one would.
Here, in part, is where we falter, what we have been blessed with works well in its intended use for us, but we feel a twinge of selfishness when we desire something better, we can feel we are not worthy to ask for more.
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Phil. 4:11)
It is quite easy to recognize when a want is sinful if you are studying the Scriptures, when you are listening to the Holy Spirit, His word and voice are clear to us. It is those items that go beyond our needs, it is those items that we want simply because we desire them that we must contemplate. The question is always, “Why do I want it?”
If it is because you are not content with what you have, there may be a need to reconsider obtaining it, if it is simply because it will make you happy, remember that no matter what it is, it is only temporary.
Sometimes my friends it is better to want something than it is to have it.
Seek the face of God, put your emotions aside, He will lead you in your decision.
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Prov. 3:6)
