Temptation Minefields of Needs Versus Wants
As a child of God, proceed with caution in daily life because the common pitfall of temptation minefields abounds. It often comes undetected and always attempts to distract and divert the use of God-given resources.
If your parents are (or were) anything like mine, you learned throughout childhood the valuable lesson of what constitutes a need versus a want. Even now as a parent of two young adults, I still catch myself reminding them of the difference, or rather the differences. Although the distinction between a need and a want may sometimes become blurred, the differences between the two are incredibly important, essential to learn, and, at times, worthy of reminders.
A Loving Reminder for Us All on the Differences Between a Need and a Want
Quite simply, a need constitutes anything essential for survival. Needs are not fancy and do not include frills. No. They are simply the basics (i.e., food, clothing, and shelter). Some might even consider faith in The Creator a basic human need, as well.
On the flip side, a want is a splurge, something making life easier, or more comfortable. As much as people often do not want to acknowledge this fact, an individual can still live even if their wants, or desires, remain unmet.
A Common Pitfall…Chasing the Latest and Greatest
No matter where you look, your senses are bombarded with teasers and temptations, sprinkled throughout all forms of media, attempting to convince you of your need for the “latest and greatest” {fill in the blank}. If an individual does not exercise a certain degree of caution when enticed, they might find themselves experiencing only a temporary rush of exhilaration. More importantly, the emptiness or “thing” missing in their life remains, simply unable to be satisfied by the “latest and greatest” acquisition. Ironically, a similar situation almost happened to me recently.
A Personal Experience about a Common Temptation
Over the past month or so, my email inbox became overrun with reminders of an overdue oil change. After carving out time in my schedule, I took my vehicle into the dealership for its much-needed maintenance. What transpired during my routine visit was anything but typical.
As I waited for my turn, a man approached my car. He wanted me to know that one of his workers would assist me once they finished with their customer. While we chatted, the gentleman identified himself as the person paid to appraise the value of vehicles at the dealership, and then he asked the age of my vehicle. Upon hearing its age, he glanced at the odometer with widening eyes.
Barely able to contain himself, he began talking rapidly. Our conversation went something like this…
“Your car only has 19,000 miles on it?!” the appraiser stated. Clearly astonished, he continued rambling in a rapid-fire, staccato-like fashion. “Do you have any idea the value of your car right now? Your car has gained value in the last six months due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, you could trade it in and purchase a brand new one of the same make and model as your current vehicle for practically nothing, especially with the current rebates available.” Not affording me an opportunity to respond, the appraiser forged ahead with eager determination. It was almost as if he was on a hunt, had spotted his target, and was preparing to go in for the kill.
Not wanting to come across as rude, I listened with careful consideration. With complete transparency, I must admit that the value he offered me for my vehicle was beyond comprehension. It truly was. In fact, when I shared it with my husband, even his eyes widened with surprise.
Although I had no intention of purchasing a new vehicle that day, the offer of a substantial sum of money as a trade-in had me seriously considering my options. After careful contemplation, I arrived at several conclusions. Honestly, though, one of them really shook me and made me reevaluate things.
I reached my initial conclusion rather quickly. You see, dear friend, although I could have made money on my vehicle, I did not need a new car. My husband and I take care of our vehicles because we intend to keep them for at least ten years. The offer was tempting though.
As I thought about the prospect of essentially gaining money for trading in my car, I began to try and find ways to convince myself that I needed to do it. I rationalized I would gain a new car for practically no money. After running some numbers, my husband and I estimated we would still owe several thousands of dollars despite the high trade-in value and available rebates. All of this led me to my second conclusion, which was a bit more troubling.
After a seemingly spontaneous encounter at the dealership service department, I began feeling the pull of wanting a new car, despite not needing one. Truthfully, I enjoy the car I have, and it has been a reliable means of transportation. I began to realize the depths of Satan’s cunning nature. He seeks to pull us away from God any way he can. Oh snap! In my human weakness, I had begun to succumb to the enemy’s wiles and the temptations of this world! I am glad I caught myself!
What Scripture Says about Wanting Money and Things
The closer a person grows in relationship with Jesus, the harder Satan works to compromise it. According to Matthew the Apostle, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21, NIV). If a person’s heart fixates on how to acquire the “latest and greatest,” he shows The Lord his heart is focused on accumulating riches of this world, instead of living out God’s Word for eternal treasures.
God blesses each one of us in Christ. For some people, He blesses them with additional resources, beyond what is needed for basic food, clothing, and shelter. In these circumstances, if we are to live as Christ has instructed, then we must “…not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16, NIV).
In my personal example, I did not need to spend several thousands of dollars on a new car. Instead, I can use those same resources to help others in my community and the world. After all, this is what Christ intends for us to do.
Even Old Testament Scripture discusses how earthly riches (or wants) are meaningless. The Word says, “Whoever loves money never has enough; Whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 5:10, NIV).
Closing Thoughts and a Call to Action
It is human nature to want things of this world, but things are empty. Acquiring money and possessions only provides temporary satisfaction until the newness, or novelty, wears off. What each of us really needs is Christ and to live out His Word in our daily lives. Therefore, proceed with caution. The common pitfall of temptation minefields abounds, often undetected and always attempting to distract and divert the use of God-given resources. What resources has God gifted you, which, in turn, can be used to bless others?