It's very easy to separate "need" from "want" at Christmas time. I look at stuff that I would really like to have but that is not a necessity for me. They are a desire, a want, but definitely not something I need to make it through this life. In fact, if we are honest with ourselves, no one wants to receive necessities at Christmas time. Imagine if you opened a gift and it was a jumbo pack of toilet paper. There sat Aunt Rhonda across the room with a beaming smile so excited that you won't need to purchase that toiletry item for at least 6 months due to her graciousness. It's a nice thought but truly, it is more than just the thought that counts! Ha!
In the midst of this mindset I come across this verse in I Peter, "By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence." I Pt 1:3 Wow! When I truly look at this verse in the raw light of what the author is saying I find out a few things.
1. Just like a Christmas present, everything I receive from God after the point of salvation is not a necessity. It is an add-on. It could even be a want or desire. But he has given me everything I need to live a Godly life.
2. Necessities are very rarely flashy, showy, or hyped up. Hype is not wrong or completely unnecessary. But if we are constantly running from one hyped up moment to the next, chances are we are missing out on the necessities that God has given us.
3. The verse says, "we have received all of this by coming to know him.." Think of it. How many times have you asked God for more? How many times have you looked at your life and thought there's got to be more to it than this? Well, ultimately the answer to more in your Christian life is a better understanding of God. Knowing God is synonymous for discovering more to this life. The more we know Him the more we find out about this life He has given us.
Just my thoughts on what I need from God. What do you need from Him?
This is so good. Thank you for writing this. I needed this today.
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