What do we really need?
It’s a question that has been mulling around in my mind and burning in my heart for the past couple of weeks.
Here’s my list:
…a little food…
…some warmth and shelter…
…a place to lay my head…
…love, support and friendship…
…purpose and meaning…
…and perhaps a little work to give me a sense of accomplishment.
And of course, a meaningful relationship with Christ.
But other than that, I’m not sure there’s much else. Sure, there are quite a few things I could probably add to my “need” pile, but I’m betting they represent more of my “wants” than “needs.” And as far as the bare essentials go, I think my list of seven covers it.
Seven things. That’s it! And yet, that’s it?
So I always find myself deeply grieved when the culture around me tells me I “need” newer, bigger, better and cooler. When is enough enough?
I believe the answer lies with one simple word: choice. It’s all about choice.
The life you are living represents the choices you have made and continue to make.
How are you choosing to live?
Have you thought about what you really need?
Are you caught up with culture or caught up with Christ?
Or as Sperling Hayden puts it:
“Which shall it be: bankruptcy of purse or bankruptcy of life?”
As disciples of Christ we are not here to perform faith like it’s some form of religious activity, nor are we meant to look exactly like the culture around us. No, we are here to live every moment of our lives in the reality of God’s kingdom – to walk, eat, sleep, breathe and live just like Jesus. To trust Him as we completely immerse ourselves in what He is doing in and through our lives.
This is the best thing that could ever happen to us.
This is the best choice we could ever make.
THIS is what we really truly need.
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” -Paul
