A need to feel wanted. Young women attempting to catch the eyes of young men who want to be noticed, the elderly women being reminded by her adoring husband of her beauty, no matter the years that have passed by.
“As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.” (Prov. 11:22)
The world says that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, the man of God knows better.
For centuries lust has conceived sin, and for nearly as long the wicked of the earth have known this truth, vanity is what sells, not sex. The ploy is used on both the male and female of the human race, and it has led to this truth, that being more concerned with what others think of you is more profitable than what one may think of themselves.
And not only profitable in the merchandise of the world, but in the leading of the brute beasts.
Sadly, this is true of far too many who have been born-again as well, for do we not look in the mirror before we leave the house? Are we not concerned with what others may think of our appearance, and even more, our demeanor, our words and actions in front of others? To live a life that adheres to Matthew 5:37 is to face the risk of not feeling needed.
“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”
To speak of the Scriptures, the Savior, the need to repent of one’s sins and call upon the Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of one’s soul will ostracize you from nearly every meeting you have with people. And then you will not feel needed.
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” (1st Peter 2:9)
Yes, we are, are we not?
I have met few people that could care less what you think about them, even in biker clubs, on major construction sites, in bars, in back alleys, vanity is presented. “Pay attention to me, I have value!” This cry of the insecure person has been voiced by every person ever born, if not with their voice, then in their heart, it is inescapable, and for a reason.
“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:5)
The love we offer to those we meet that was once offered to us every person knows exists, it is a cry that comes from every soul, the desire to be needed, to have someone, anyone tell them they have value just as they are.
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Everyone, and this is a rare time an absolute can be used, realizes that being needed, even if it is in the most shallow of terms, means they are loved.
No one is born hardened against love, they are taught the opposite of it by uncaring parents, by those who should be nurturing them but who are instead consumed with themselves, with their own lusts.
When we speak to people about the love being offered to them, we may be trying to speak through decades of vanity, of needs unmet. The majority of people that you will speak with cannot, will not believe that someone could love them that much, it is a need that has gone unmet, unknown to them for their entire life. And so, the woman will attempt to alter her appearance to others, and the man will portray a form of manliness, all for the sake of vanity, to feel needed.
My friends, everyone wants to feel wanted. You are to introduce them to the One who promises this truth.
“And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” (Deut. 31:8)
Who promises “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:28)
We have no idea how much we are loved; they cannot believe that they could ever be loved that much. Do not ever be embarrassed to tell them these truths.
