Need Versus Want

Needs are necessities that must be met and cannot do without them, whereas wants are desires or wishes that are optional and one can do without them. These two matters have been trying hard to balance these days in my cognitive weigh scale. It was a good time experiencing the Lord to know and follow His feelings.

Recently I sensed a need that would save my time and ease my life. But upon consideration and researching online whether to buy the thing or not, I finally concluded that that I can do without it, and would not invest so much for that automatic thing for which I can do manually. Similar case arose when my dad called me to send some thing for him. Immediately I decided to buy what he asked for, clubbing together with a gift for my wife. But as I was about to buy, something within me struck me to reconsider it before I buy, that prompted me to pray and discern the Lord's feeling. 

Quite amazing, as I brought the matter before the Lord in prayer, my mind was very clear that I do not need to venture to invest that much amount for such things which are just wants and not needs. It was a great salvation indeed. My mind was changed by simple prayer. In fact, I was saved in this matter of wants. But to the matters of needs I do not need a second thought too much, for needs must be met somehow.

In fact, as I reconsidered the matter, I reckon that I would not be at peace at all if I ever went ahead with what was only wants and not really needs. This taught me a wonderful lesson in life, especially as children of God to live a life worthy of His calling; simple living, not indulging in luxury, yet having all that are needed.

Even the children of the world are wise enough to distinguish the difference between the two and live accordingly, why not the children of God? A very deep lesson in managing one's finance and a litmus test of our heart whether we are influenced by the glamour and glitters of the world. 

This matter is also of great economic concern for the economist: One important idea in economics is that of needs and wants. Needs would be defined as goods or services that are required. This would include the needs for food, clothing, shelter and health care. Wants are goods or services that are not necessary but that we desire or wish for. For example, one needs clothes, but one may not need designer clothes. One does not need toys, entertainment, gems, etc.. One needs food, but does not have to have steak or dessert. One does not need glamorous trips, mall shopping, etc..

It is a salvation indeed to discern and cater to needs in life and not indulge in wants which often is a temptation linked to lust and covetousness.

Lord, preserve me from lures of wants, and provide all my needs.