What We Need

Matthew 6:33, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (NLT) is a popular verse. Quoted often when someone feels something is necessary. Too often, though, people stop at the word “everything.” The keyword is “need.” The definition of need includes such words as “necessary” and “requirement.”

When the emphasis is on “everything,” the meaning of the verse is changed. It’s no longer what is necessary. We begin to believe as long as we seek God and live according to some rules, God will give us our heart’s desire.

A few verses above the famous “seek” verse, Jesus tells his listeners, “For your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” (vs. 8). Jesus spoke these words prior to giving us the model prayer—the Lord’s Prayer. Smack dab in the middle of that model are the words, “Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins” (vss. 11-12).

Immediately before telling us to seek God’s kingdom, Jesus says, “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’  These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.” (vss. 31-32).

There it is. The basics. We need food and forgiveness of sin. God provides both—when we ask. (An aside to the idea we need food: what we need is basic, “something that nourishes.” There’s not even a requirement the food needs to taste good or be what we want. We don’t even need food three times a day.)

For those of us who think we need clothes and other creature comforts, God knows. We don’t need to tell him or conform to some kind of code. We need only to seek him, and he provides— again—what we need.”

I often think I need forgiveness more than I need food. God is quick to provide both. Not because I follow rules, but because God and his kingdom are foremost in my life.

The next time you hear this verse used to justify a guide for prescribed conduct to receive material possessions, think carefully about the difference between needs and wants. Accept what God provides with a grateful heart.