Want or Need?

I was in a conversation this week where on several occasions the person said, "I need..." As our conversation continued it became very evident this person was very confused when it came to needs versus wants. A lot of people seem to get confused on this topic, especially young people. A "need" is simply something that you really can't do without. I picture someone having a serious asthma attack, and their need for an inhaler. A "want" however, is something you wish for or desire, but it's not essential. I'd love a new cell phone, however, the older cell phone I have seems to do the job right now. To me, wants and needs are pretty obvious, but this area can become gray very quickly. It's interesting how many people have allowed things that are really only wants, to actually become needs. You hear things like, "I can't live without it", or "I'll die if I don't get one". Let's look at some things and decide whether they're really a need or a want. How about some Starbucks coffee? A new car? A new computer? A new gun? A bigger house? Are these really needs and essential? Is a Starbucks essential to your survival? You drive a car that works OK now and so does your one year old computer. Another gun to go with the one you already have and a house that gives you a little more room than the house you're already in. Don't be fooled! Our culture is never satisfied with what it has. It's always looking for something bigger or better. This fact can easily sway how we view what is really a want or a need. We can't forget Paul's words in Philippians 4:11, "for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have." For fun check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq6xk9ahMnI