But the Lord answered her “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful; Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.
Luke 10: 41-42
Good morning Prayer Team!
Yesterday, we discussed “needful” things, from the standpoint of not stressing out about things that aren’t really that important and saving stress for the things that are. Today, I offer a different take on “needful things.”
One important life lesson we must learn is the difference between the word “need” and “want.” Many times we overuse the word “need.” And we under use the word “want.” “Needs” are things that are absolutely required. “Wants” are things we desire but life is not going to end if the “wants” aren’t met.
What are the things we “need” on a daily basis? We “need” food, water, bathroom breaks and rest. Without these things, we can’t sustain our life. We don’t “need” an expensive car in order to survive. Given the choice between an expensive car and no food, or food and walking, we’d all forego the car.
Many times we make requests that should properly be filed under “wants” but we put them under “needs.” Children tell parents “I need this toy.” Well, actually they don’t. Their life won’t end without the toy. “I need to have lunch with you,” should also be classified under “wants.” Many times people can’t find the right person to marry because they have too many needs. I remember years ago someone said to me that they needed to marry someone who was taller than them and when a boyfriend had all the qualities she was looking for but was two inches too short, the relationship ended.
We need to learn to classify things into needs and wants, with the needs being required, and the wants being optional. What do you NEED in a job, versus what do you want? What do you NEED in a relationship versus what do you want? What do you NEED in a college versus what do you want? What do you NEED in terms of material possessions versus what do you want?
Learning to distinguish between needful things and wants will reduce unnecessary stress and unrealistic expectations that often lead to disappointments.
Of course, the only thing that is truly needed is salvation in God’s kingdom. I remember years ago, someone came up to me and said “Father, in 100 years, no one is going to remember you. But they will remember me, because my name is written on a building.” And I actually felt sorry for this person. I looked him in the eye and said “The only place my name NEEDS to be written is in God’s book of life, and the only place I NEED to be remembered is in His heavenly kingdom.” And that’s the truth-when it all comes down to it, the only NEEDFUL thing is salvation. So as we pursue our needs and wants, we need to always remember the NEEDFUL thing-salvation-and make that part of our every day journey. For every journey will eventually run its course, except that one. The journey to salvation sets the tone for eternity!
Lord, thank You for the many blessings I enjoy in my life. Each day that I greet is a blessing. Help me to remember the needful things in my life. Bless me with sufficiency, and inspire me to share what is excess with those who don’t have sufficiency. Help me to attain the things that are needful and to have patience if not every want is satisfied. Help me to keep my eye on You in all that I do today, and to take steps forward in my journey to salvation today. Amen.
Have a great day!
+Fr. Stavros
