Our life can move from complexity to elegant simplicity once we are able to understand the difference between our wants and our needs. Usually, we throw around the words, “I need” when addressing what appears to be lacking in our life. Separating needs vs. wants will help us choose the “ONE THING” that is essential over the trivial things.
Let’s begin with some definitions: a “need” in the narrowest sense of the word is something that we must have to get along in this life – a NECESSITY. In Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, all humans need food, shelter, love, and belonging. In marriage, there are certain needs that a husband and a wife must have met for the survival of that relationship. The same goes for business. As an employee or employer, there are some non-negotiables that undergrid success. A want, on the other hand, is something we desire – something we would like to have. If a want goes unmet, one won’t suffer physically as if a need goes unmet. “Wants” that are unmet result in disappointment or emotional anguish but usually don’t rise to the level of suffering. Most young people today see their wants as needs. Kids don’t need an iPHONE but they sure can act like they do. Most of our wants can fall into the category of luxuries – things we would like to have but don’t really need. Making the distinction between needs and wants is a sign of spiritual maturity. God has promised to “meet our needs according to His riches in glory” (Phil. 4:19). He has promised to “grant the desires of our heart” (Ps. 37:4). Separating our needs vs. our wants will enrich our lives, relationships and pocketbooks. This weekend, we’ll be wrapping up our series on “ONE THING”, looking at how Mary chose between her wants and needs in Luke 10. If you live in Lubbock, hope you can make it.
Just a thought,
Carl
Archive for January, 2011
“Brothers and Sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead.” –Paul the Apostle
The “one thing” Paul encourages us all to do is “forget the past”. Of course no one can ever completely forget their past. There is always a memory that lingers. If anyone had a past they needed to forget it was Paul, who prior to his conversion to Christ was a Christ-hater and persecutor of Christians. Many early believers were either killed or imprisoned due to Paul’s efforts. He considered himself the “chief of sinners”. Yet, he learned how to let go of the past through the power of Christ.
Do you have things in your past you need to let go of? Your future cannot be fully embraced until aspects of your past are released. It’s hard to forget the past because we forget to forget. Here are five helpful thoughts to consider.
1. Acknowledge your past. It can’t be changed. Learn from it.
2. Live for the present. Begin applying your heart to wisdom so that you can number your days and make your remaining days better. The past is written. The future is unwritten.
3. Learn the lesson from the past, or you’ll have to take the class again.
4. Forgive. Forgiveness releases us from our past. Receive it from God and give it to others and yourself.
5. Process your past. This can only be done with the help of God and a trusted confidant. Follow King David’s example he wrote the book of Psalms, which reads like a life journal to God.
In our weekend services will be talking more about this subject.
Just a thought,
Carl
Words have meaning and different words have different meaning at different times in our lives. The word that has been churning in my heart for 2011 is the word de-clutter. It can be defined as, “to simplify or get rid of mess, disorder, complications, etc”. The one thing I have learned about clutter is it accumulates. Clutter is de-motivating because it distracts us. De-cluttering allows for greater focus and creativity. Recently, I de-cluttered my desk at work, realizing that only a few items deserve to be on my desk and the rest needed to be placed in its proper place – a file, shelf, box or trash. Coming to work with a clean and organized desk is invigorating. What needs de-cluttering in your life? Take the time to tackle one area that needs de-cluttering and then have some fun with it.
Clutter for some people has become obsessive-compulsive behavior. They are called hoarders and there is a television show about Obsessive Compulsive Hoarders (OCH). In Mark 10, there is a story of an Obsessive Compulsive Hoarder. He was buried under his possessions. He comes to Jesus desiring eternal life and Jesus basically tells him to de-clutter. “You lack one thing. Sell all you have give to the poor and come follow me”. What might be the “one thing” in your life that could take you to the next spiritual level in 2011? This will be our topic at Trinity this weekend. Hope you can make it. If not, go online and listen on Monday @ http://www.trinitytoday.com
Just a thought,
Carl
