And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Summary: Christmas provides the perfect backdrop for this passage.
As I begin to write this meditation, it is the day after Christmas. The Christmas tree is still up in the living room, and the house is still decorated with garlands and lights. The happy sounds of conversation and laughter emanate from the dining room, where our son and his wife share memories with my wife, while I sit in the living room, keeping an eye on our two-year-old granddaughter.
The gifts have been given, and the colored wrapping paper has been collected in bags. There is a subtle shift in mood — from one of anticipation and expectation to the space that follows the revelation of the mystery.
As we read Paul’s words today, Christmas seems like a powerful backdrop to Paul’s meaning.
Paul does not promise that God will meet all our “wants.” Instead, he promises that God will meet all our “needs.” As we ponder these words, it is worth wondering what God thinks we need.
If we try to put ourselves in God’s shoes (metaphorically speaking!) and we look at Creation, the most obvious “need” is for us to be reconciled to our Creator.
For those who have been reconciled through belief in Jesus (John 3:14-15), our need is not eternal life, but we still need more Jesus.
Belief in Jesus is not just a passing thought; it is a way of life. Belief in Jesus is putting God first in every thought and situation (Matthew 22:37-40). Belief is treating others as Jesus treated people, even those who killed him on the cross (Luke 23:34).
Our need, above all things, is to live in harmony with our Creator. We can’t do that and still reserve the right to decide what is “best.” Putting God first reorders our entire worldview. Until we can do that from morning until night, we need more Jesus.
Christmas is a wonderful reminder of God’s love for us. Hopefully, you were given things that you wanted. More importantly, though, is what we need, and only Jesus can answer that need.
Application: Practice keeping Jesus in mind throughout the day.
Food for Thought: How do you define the difference between a “want” and a “need?”
I think the simplest explanation between a want and a need is that a want is something not essential for life and a need is essential for life.
We need to eat but we don’t need to eat steak and lobster, that’s more what we may want to eat. I’m being a little flippant there, but truthfully I have had times in my life when I needed to eat but didn’t because I didn’t want what was available. And I wasn’t just content not to eat; I was hungry and mad. That’s a bit humbling to think about (for me).
So I think there is also a difference in that filling a need, or recognizing a need but waiting for fullness, brings contentment. A want never really finds contentment. No matter what is received, there is always a next level or an added enticement.
Jesus told us in Matthew 6 to seek God first and everything else will be given to us. He is speaking about finding contentment in God and God will provide for our needs.
Matthew 6:32-33
32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
God already knows our needs, both spiritually and physically. He is ready to fill both, but we must seek Him. When we seek fullness of our spiritual needs; walking with Him, being full of His Spirit, and seeking to live a life pleasing to Him, He promises to fill our physical needs. Having recently spent some time in Rwanda, I met people who were poor in assets but rich in Spirit. I saw people who really didn’t have many “things,” but God provided for their needs, and they were content and extremely grateful.
Thank you, Chris!
Well said!
I especially liked this truth:
“A want never really finds contentment.”
Good stuff CH. I liked your opening definition: “I think the simplest explanation between a want and a need is that a want is something not essential for life and a need is essential for life.“
Thanks Rich!
Yes, I agree!