You Aren't Needed, but You Are Wanted

One thing about parenting that is always extremely difficult is explaining to children the difference between a want and a need.  Kids (and let’s be honest, most adults) always want things.  We want to sleep in, we want to play with our friends, we want to watch our favorite shows, and we want all kinds of stuff.  Yet most of the time those wants aren’t in line with the things that we need.  We need food, exercise, and love to mention a few.

Recently I was listening to a sermon online.  The pastor was discussing the fact that God doesn’t need us to fish in order for us to have food.  He doesn’t need us to go out and reach everyone in the world for Him.  Knowing that God is all powerful, you’ve realized those things, right? 

So why then does He want us to do these things in order to advance His kingdom?  I honestly think that He wants us to have a part in all of it all.  God uses all of us who believe in Him to advance the Kingdom.  It goes along with the saying that “anything worth having is worth working for.”  I truly believe that is the case when it comes to our faith.  God could have everyone be a Christian if He wanted.  But, He instead allows us to truly appreciate the gift that we’re given by allowing us to be actively involved in the process.  We’re able to reach others for Him.  We’re able to appreciate what a great life we have as Christians because we’ve seen what it’s like to not have God in our lives. 

You see, we’re all wanted by God.  He wants us to join Him in His work.  He wants to walk hand in hand with us every day in our lives.  And He wants us all to know that this is where we belong without any doubt.

It’s Not About What You Don’t Have, It’s About What You DO Have

This time of year it’s easy to look at all the deals on things we want at the various stores and want to buy almost everything.  We see all of the “stuff" that we don’t own and we instantly want it because someone we know has it and it’s really cool, or they are really cool.

The problem with that thinking is that there is only one thing that we need more of in our lives.  It is not something we’re going to find in an ad.  It’s not something you can buy at the store either.  What we need more of in our lives is God.  Yet, we tend to clutter up our lives with so any things that only keep us from connecting with Him.  We buy bigger and bigger TVs, better computers and gaming systems, Apple’s latest and greatest items, phones with the latest and greatest apps, and so much more.  All of which distract us more and more from God and our relationships with Him.

Now I’m not saying that we can’t go out and buy some of these things.  My point today is that we need to evaluate all of the “stuff” that we own and buy.  If we have so much that it’s keeping us from God, then we may need to reevaluate our real need for it all.   Don’t let all the “stuff” get between you and your relationship with God. 

If we are truly pursing all of the “stuff” of life how then can your relationship with Him grow?  It’s at least something to think about.