Bible Thoughts

June 27, 1999

People tend to confuse needs and wants. There was a time when the ones to whom Jesus is speaking needed to be fed (the five thousand). The Lord filled the immediate need for nourishment and then proceeded in the work of teaching. Among those following the Lord could be found those who wanted to satisfy the physical hunger that is common to man while failing to recognize the real need for being taught the way of Christ.

It is not wrong for a Christian to feed a hungry person. It is not wrong to supply the physical needs of others. It is not wrong to be concerned about those who are suffering and need assistance. In fact, all of these are right actions for Christians. However, these were following the Lord during his time on earth, not because of a need, but because of a want. They wanted the physical food he had given previously; they did not recognize the need for the spiritual food he now offered to each of them.

It is easy, as a human, to confuse needs and wants. In one's life, there will be many things wanted, but not needed. In reality, many of those things that people make great sacrifices to obtain they do not need. Humans have an undying thirst for items and experiences that are material, from wealth to entertainment to recreation to recognition, etc. It is not wrong, in itself, to seek such so long as it is sought in moderation.

There was a time when the apostle Paul needed those things which were physical. He told the Philippians "for even in Thessalonica, ye sent once and again unto my need"(Philippians 4:16). When Jesus fed the multitude, they needed food to continue. Among them were some who did not realize the real need they had for the Lord and His teaching, but sought him for the loaves and fishes. The immediate need had been satisfied with food; now they needed the teachings of Christ applied to their lives.

The church at Corinth confused "wants" with "needs." They needed the spirit of the Lord; they wanted feasting. Paul had to refresh them with the teaching of the Lord. Explaining their spiritual needs in outlining the partaking of the Lord's Supper, he also pointed out that the assembling together was not for physical needs, but spiritual. He went so far as to tell them, "If any man is hungry, let him eat at home; that your coming together be not unto judgment"(I Corinthians 11:34).

Often, what one wants outweighs the desire to satisfy one'sneeds. Take as an example, the rich young man. He wanted to have "eternal life"(Matthew 19:16). When the Lord outlined the commands for him to keep, he responded, "All these things have I observed: what lack I yet?"(Matthew 19:20). The real need identified by the Lord was to give up what stood in the way of the young man pleasing God. When he is told to sell his goods and give to the poor, "he went away sorrowful"(Matthew 19:22). What he wanted in his heart was greater than the need to follow Jesus. How many in our day possess the same imbalance of proper values!

Most churches of today seek to satisfy the "wants" of the members with little or no thought to "spiritual" matters. Everything from party(fellowship?) halls to playgrounds to material rewards to observance of days(the list could go on and on) is offered in an appeal to the fleshly part of man. Even among some calling themselves "churches of Christ," such foolishness is promoted. What is needed is a healthy respect for Bible authority; what is wanted is to let churches do it their way without being challenged for Bible authority. What is needed is a respect for the work of the church as set forth in the New Testament; what is wanted is a social organization that appeals to the fleshly desires of men. What is needed is a respect for the organization of the Lord's church; what is wanted is an ignoring of the simplicity and independence of the local church by building benevolent and evangelistic societies(super organizations) to be supported and maintained by church treasuries. What is needed is a respect for the plain messages of the New Testament; what is wanted is soft preaching, back-slapping, "you are all right, I am all right," non-offensive mannerisms, with a lot of what some mistakenly call "love"(compromise), and the list could go on.

Over the years, the expression, "My needs are not being satisfied," has crept into the conversation of some. The truth: Jehovah left us a book that contains instruction on how to meet every spiritual need. "Seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue"(II Peter 1:3). The needs of one who seeks to please God will be satisfied by following the book that God left us. The word of God outlines the gifts of God, the mercies of God, the patience of God, the understanding of God, the love of God, the care of God, and the ways of righteousness. Whatever spiritual needs that one has can be met through following the word of God, being a part of the church for which His Son died, and by a dedicated life of righteousness.

The Hebrews writer(Paul) pointed out three things that man needs: (1) Grace, "Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, andmay find grace to help us in time of need"(4:16); (2), Teaching: "For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye had need again that some one teach you..."(5:12); (3) Patience(faithfulness): "For ye have need of patience, that, having done the will of God, ye may receive the promise"(10:36). These three constitute a good starting place toward identifying the needs that one has to live a life that pleases the Lord. How different are these principles of righteousness from the ways of the world and sectarian philosophy.

When one's spiritual wants cannot be satisfied by what is offered by the Lord through His word, there is a failure to recognize the true needs of a person. "I need thee every hour" is part of one of our songs. When one is aware of the truth of this statement, then "the kingdom of God and his righteousness" will be sought. In faithful, dedicated obedience, the Lord will truly meet such a person's needs even when some of the brethren do not measure up to one's personal standards.

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and through comfort of the scriptures we might have hope"(Romans 15:4).