My wife and I like to be generous, generous with time, possessions and finances; but how do we know what we are giving is really going to those in need and what does 'in need' even mean?
In the last couple of months, my wife has offered free clothes and an almost brand new car seat on social media to people 'in need'. Twice these offers were met with quick responses from people who were 'in need' and she arranged to pass along what we didn't need anymore.
In both situations, the people drove up in nice shiny cars and gratefully accepted the packages. The condition of their ride seemed ironic each time, especially when we are the ones giving away free stuff and we drive a vehicle in much worse condition.
Now, we don't know the circumstances these people are facing; they may be in so much debt on their car they can't sell it, or maybe they've borrowed a vehicle from a friend.
The definition of 'in need'
Following the exchange of free items, we have been left questioning how 'in need' should be defined, and whether these people truly need to accept our charity. I think thefreedictionary.com expresses the meaning for this word well, considering the context of these two examples: "A condition or situation in which something must be supplied in order for a certain condition to be maintained or a desired state to be achieved."
This definition allows an individual to declare themselves in need based on their personal perception of an acceptable quality of life. However, this becomes a dangerous opportunity for greed, because the world attempts to snag and distract us by creating a desire for more 'stuff', so that we can obtain a higher status or reach a particular financial position.
In contrast to this individualistic meaning, the Bible is clear there is very little we actually 'need' (Jesus didn't have a place he called home, Matthew chapter 8, verse 20) and what we do require will be provided by God, our Father and Almighty creator.
Matthew chapter 6, verse 33 says "But seek First His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." What things are these you may ask? Looking at the context of this passage, the previous verses describe our needs as clothing, food and drink.
These are the physical essentials for life; not a car, not a computer and not even toys. The quest for the non-essentials goes back to the garden of Eden, when Eve was tempted by the devil and took a bite of the fruit because it "was pleasing to the eye".
Please understand, I'm not saying having possessions and lots of them is bad, nor am I saying God does not use others to bless us. It also doesn't matter what social status or financial position we may find ourselves in, when we turn our eyes from the Lord and take a bite of the fruit that is "pleasing to the eye" we have effectively rejected God and placed this object in a superior position than God Himself.
The money and the toys are not the sin, but allowing them to control us is. When these objects become our 'need' in order to reach a certain pre-determined condition we have set our sights on, we no longer seek first His Kingdom or His righteousness but the temporary treasures of this world.
All we really need is you Lord
Going beyond the temporary things of this world, we must also consider the things of eternal significance. Rich or poor, famous or neglected, male or female, all of us are born and all of us die. In this, there is no difference. Upon our death, there are only two options: condemnation to the fire of hell, or a beautiful and celebrated entrance into the presence of the glorious King.
Our ticket to the second option (heaven) is only available to those who give a personal confession that Jesus is Lord and has saved them from judgement through His death on the cross.
In light of eternity, this is what matters! Forget about the small 'needs' we strive so hard to get, or the social status we attempt to cling to, because our position on this earth has no reflection on our eternal future. The non-essentials I so quickly complain about and the 'needs' I desperately want are petty, because I'm only here on earth for a short time.
I don't know the circumstances those people are in who drove up in shiny cars for our free stuff, and depending on the day I find myself on a varying scale of being 'in need', but ultimately, our greatest need is to find eternal life through Jesus Christ and then to trust Him to provide our needs, as we put Him first.
There is a lot of 'fruit' out there that is very "pleasing to the eye", but often serves as a temptation from the devil to forsake God's commands and try to meet our own 'needs'. Literally, this deception is the oldest trick in the book and yet still so enticing.
Thankfully Christ has come to set us free and we must respond in repentance and faith. We must seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and trust His promise that all our needs will be provided for. All else is trivial.
Tim Wilson is an Australian currently living in Canada with his wife (also a comment writer) and their three children. He is passionate about the Church living according to the Word of God and authors a blog to inspire and challenge men and women of faith: www.abrokenmanblog.com
Tim Wilson's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/tim-wilson.html