The sun shone through the window onto my clothes-laden bed. There I stood, staring at a mountain of clothing that belonged to my family of five. As I slowly dismantled the pile and folded each item I grew concerned that my son might not have enough clothes for the season (even though I had just folded his five pairs of pants, three sweatshirts, coat, two hooded sweatshirts, four pairs of pajamas and an equal amount of shirts). I would say he has plenty, as do I, but why do I feel that I never have “enough?”
It’s easy for me to get caught up in having “enough.” It is in these times that I must ask myself, “Do I really need this?” Sure, I only have four pairs of pants to wear, but I also have a working washing machine. I don’t need a pair of pants for every day of the week.
My contentment lies in opening my eyes to what I already have. I have a warm, dry home with heat and air conditioning. I have a stove and a microwave. My refrigerator/freezer is fully stocked, as is my pantry. I don’t have a dishwasher, but I do have two sinks and a dish drain on the countertop. I have one bathtub, one bathroom sink, and one toilet that works. I have a table to eat on and a kitchen full of dishes, cooking utensils, and other gadgets/appliances. I have couches, a recliner, and bookshelves overflowing with books. My family enjoys a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a television, a DVD player … and a couple game systems we hardly ever play. We have electricity that allows us to enjoy all of these things. Don’t forget our two cell phones, our car, and our van! We have comfy and cozy beds covered with soft blankets and mismatched pillows. Our children have ample toys to play with, both inside and outside.
I have every reason to be content, materially speaking. What am I lacking? Nothing. Everything I need I already have. If I am honest with myself most of my “needs” are actually just wants. Convincing myself that I deserve this or that, or that I am entitled to a certain lifestyle is nothing but a lie from THE enemy himself. If I come into the world with nothing and leave it just the same, then why do I convince myself that the “in between” time consists of acquiring stuff or living a comfortable lifestyle? God has given me all that I need, and that is more than enough.
Be on your guard against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. —Luke 12:15 (ESV)
We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. —1 Timothy 6:7 (ESV)
What true needs of yours are fulfilled? Do you have any wants disguised as needs?
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