I Want It
I Want It or Do I Need It?
Just last week I walked into Wal-Mart and I saw a surround sound system for the TV, which was on mark down. It was $200 a week ago and now it was on clearance for $150.00. Ok, my mind was running. I was thinking to myself “We really need a surround system” and this was a really good one for a decent price. We could be watching Jurassic Park tonight and let the windows rattle. It would not take up that much room.
Then I walked away to think about it and came back to look at the speakers again. My goggles were off now and when I looked at the speakers, two of them stood 3 feet tall next to the TV, then there were 2 bookshelf speakers, 1 center speaker that was 16” long, and then the two rear speakers. So I would need to run the wires to the rear speakers, which meant getting in the attic and mounting the speakers on the rear wall. At that moment, I was so glad I turned my back and thought about it before buying them.
Is this a Want or a Need? Ok in my mind it was a Want. Something I did not Need. The sound has been working on the TV for quite some time and we will be just fine without it. When I saw the sound system the second time the speakers looked massive and it would have been overwhelming in our TV room. Again it was a want, not a Need. Now honestly, years ago I would not have had this mindset. Thankfully, now I can step back and re-evaluate the situation.
One thing my wife and I are pretty good at is car shopping. We have had cars break down and had to purchase a new car. I cannot count how many times we have turned our back on the “TODAY ONLY DEAL” and walked out of the dealership. Sometimes we do not even get out of the door before the manager comes to us and asks how can we do this deal today. Or we get home and the phone rings from the sales manager telling me they can NOW do the deal we asked for. When we look for a car it has not been a want, rather we need a car. But in the process we do our homework to determine what is good and fair for us. Not what is best for the dealership’s quota?
How many times have you said to yourself “I WANT THAT”, whatever “that” is? Or even after you got the new car, TV, Phone, truck, boat or relationship you find this is what you thought you wanted but it is not what you needed. It did not bring you the satisfaction, joy or peace you thought?
I was told years ago be careful about praying for patience because the minute you do, God will place some one in your life which really tests your patience. This scripture rings true for all of us.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12
When I get I-want-it-itis, I try to take a deep breath, evaluate and ask for guidance.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8
This scripture is just not for the WANTS we have, but in all situations step back and ask the Father for his guidance. Over time you will find when you ask for God’s guidance and you align yourself with his will, you will find satisfaction, joy, and peace.