Do I Really Need it?

We often ask this question when weighing our options and considering the reasoning behind them. There are things in life we grapple with that are not essential. They are unnecessary, will waste our time, drag us down, compromise our faith, and deny us Heaven. They may look reasonable and justified, but they are not expedient.

Many years ago, I was offered a Sunday shift that my colleagues lobbied for. It was double pay. It was given to me as a favour, as I had a young family at the time and needed that extra money. I nicely thanked the manager but refused the offer. She was surprised and asked why. I told her I am a Pastor of a Church and do not work on Sundays. She asked if I was being paid for it, and I said no. She couldn’t understand it.

 It was an extra income, but I can do without it. My God, whom I serve, will take care. That reminded me of the Scripture;

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 1 Corinthians 10:23 (KJV)

The King’s dainty was a rare opportunity, but Daniel and his brother could do without it. It was not essential. Daniel 1:13-16 (KJV)

Saul’s armour was sophisticated and could protect David, but does David really need it to kill Goliath? The answer was no. There was something he had that was more efficient.1 Samuel 17:38-39 (KJV)

Gideon didn’t need 32,000 soldiers for war; 300 was okay. Judges 7:2-7 (KJV)

Solomon knew that wisdom is more profitable than silver and gold. 1 Kings 3:11-13 (KJV)

Mary said, “ Be it unto me according to your word”. She was more concerned with what God was about to do than with worrying about marriage to Joseph. Luke 1:38 (KJV)

 Rest is good, but please, don’t end up seeing the beautiful Bathsheba from the window. 2 Samuel 11:2-5 (KJV)

Marriage is good, but not essential. Please don’t pursue it at all costs. It doesn’t exist in Heaven. Luke 20:27-36 (KJV)

The ball is now in our court to reflect on our pursuits, desires, aspirations, ambitions, and relationships. Have I weighed them? Are they expedient?

 The visits, parties, job, profession, fashion, dresses, shoes, properties, travels, conversations, and decisions you make, are they expedient? Would they tie you to the stakes of the world? We can talk to God about them, and He will reveal His will to us. Doing the will of God is more important than riches and worldly gains. Mark 10:21 (KJV)