Freedom From Want

Freedom From Want By Kirk Hunt

And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.   But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.

1 Timothy 6:8–9 NKJV
Please read 1 Timothy 6:3–10

 

You must breathe oxygen to survive.  The newest ultra-high definition television is far less critical to your continuing existence.  You can never be free from need, but you can be free from want.  And Scripture commands you to avoid lust.

 

A want is always optional and not crucial to your (immediate) survival.  Want, carried too far, is lust.  Lust is an excessive desire for sex, money, power, adoration or anything else.   God Himself should be the chief and only real desire of your heart, mind and soul. 

 

Paul wanted Timothy to avoid falling into error.  He cautioned his young protégée against allowing lust to nest in his heart or mind.  What was true then remains true now.  Avoid the siren songs that call us away from God and toward the rocks of unbridled hungers.

 

Men and women need food, clothing, shelter and fellowship.  Nor is there sin in having more than the bare minimum for survival.  However, past the point of needs, wants too quickly turn into lusts. 

 

Consider the things you intensely want.  Does your desire for them control you?  Please, do not give up your freedom for wants.

 

Think:        Do I control my wants, or do they control me?

 

Pray:           “Lord, help me to be free from my wants, except for You.”

 

Copyright © November 2016, Kirk Hunt

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