Want-tnaW

Luke 12:29-31  And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.  For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.  But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.   

Philippians 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

What then, is left to us?  When walking down life’s path we have no need.  According to scripture, God will provide our every need.  It is common for many Christians to talk and pray about their needs, yet contrary to popular opinion, the scripture seems to imply such practice is unwarranted and unnecessary.  So, what then do we pray about?  What is left to us?

We are left with “want”.  Want is a very controversial subject among Christians.  Many believe we should want for nothing, or should not want anything.  Yet, if God supplies our every need, what, but our wants and desires are left? 

There is one down side, one flip side, or “rather” side to the subject of our wants.  Who can define that “rather” seeking?  If we can come to grips with this “rather” mentioned in Luke, we can have faith in the “supply” of God in Philippians. 

How many of us would want to be a millionaire?  After careful consideration, the reason and drive behind the want or desire is the only obstacle to God’s supply of it.  In this instance of wanting money, what is the motive?  Do you want a million dollars for an extravagant house, luxury cars, work-free living, and easy lifestyle?  Or, do you want to support missions, create churches, build solid, biblical, learning centers, explore archeological evidence of biblical truths, defend our nation against a liberal, godless, agenda, and so much more, that would require a million dollars?  Or, is your want corrupted with just a little materialism which negates the integrity of your desire?  Many consider a millionaire to be rich, but a Christian millionaire seeking the kingdom of God and His will would consider money only a means to serve God. 

One aspect of prayer is petition.  If you were granted an audience before a king to present a petition of wants, what would you want?  Would you want health and happiness for your family?  Would you want health and happiness for your neighbor?  Would you want liberty for all?  What would you want?  Would you want more land?  Would you want a bigger house?  Would you want to quit working?  The one great blessing God grants is the never ending opportunity of audience.  What do we do with the opportunity?

Imagine a man who bows before a king in suitable clothing, well fed, safe, and secure, to ask a petition of more or better clothes, food, safety, and security.  Then imagine another, of similar attire and standing, asking a petition of clothes, food, safety, and security for his neighbors who are naked, starving, beaten, and fearful.  Whose petition is from the right side of want’s coin?  Whose petition is likely to be granted? 

There is, though, that one prerequisite.  “…Seek ye the kingdom of God!”  Walking in life’s path is not an easy proposition.  Jesus Christ never saved us for an easy life in this world, but among other reasons, the greatness of a prepared place.  There are many instances when our want is in agreement with God’s will, and there are numerous times when our want crashes squarely against the wall of God’s will.  It is the crashing which causes such havoc in our lives.  Every crash requires an examination of the reason, and every crash provides an opportunity to change our behavior.

In the desert of Israel’s condemnation were food, clothing, safety, and security.  God had granted to them not only what they needed but what they wanted.  They had heard an evil report of the Promised Land and wanted no part of it.  They received no part of it.  Many took the opportunity to wallow in their misfortune; others took an opportunity to train their children in wanting the Promised Land.  When Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land, the people wanted to follow God’s will for their lives and they prospered. 

Wanting is not contrary to God’s plan for our lives, but the nature and motivation of our wants can be.  God knows our heart; our motivation and drive.

Mathew 6:8-13  …for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.  After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Man says, “The end justifies the means.” but God, “The means justify the end.”

Have you considered your wants, made a list, brought them before God?

Isn’t it about time?