Pursuing Our True Needs

As human beings, we have few truly essential needs. For example, without oxygen, we would perish in just a few minutes. Regarding our bodies, we must have food and water to sustain us as well as rest when we are tired. We must protect ourselves from the sometimes harsh elements in inclement weather. Even though we are creatures of need — our basic needs are few (cf. Matthew 6:25).

However, when it comes to our wants, there seems to be no limit (cf. Proverbs 27:20; Ecclesiastes 1:8). Indeed, the entire advertising industry is devoted to expanding our so-called “needs” in this regard (see here).

But what about our basic spiritual needs that we sometimes overlook? For instance, what about our need for the Bread of Life and the living water of God’s truth? (John 7:38; cf. John 4:14; Proverbs 18:4; Isaiah 12:3; Isaiah 44:3; Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:17-18). What about our need for spiritual fellowship that gives strength, hope, peace, and comfort? (Hebrews 10:25; cf. Acts 2:42; Acts 2:44; Acts 4:32).

The sometimes intense dissatisfaction that so many people experience in their lives, usually stems from spiritual malnutrition and thirst (Hosea 4:6; Amos 8:11; cf. Ezekiel 7:23-27). Jesus once told a Samaritan woman about water that would become “a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). He possessed what she truly needed — what Peter later called “the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

Have we been ignoring the words of Jesus when He said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God”? (Matthew 4:4). Have we been failing to nourish the spiritual needs of our soul while pursuing our wants?

Let’s remember what our Lord said: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

In this upcoming New Year, let us resolve to do just that!

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets