Do we know the difference between wants and needs? As Christians we should know the difference if we don't want to be overcome by the materialism of our age.

The apostle Paul wrote about needs: "We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content" (1 Timothy 6:7-8). One other basic need that Paul didn't mention is shelter.

Jesus tells us that our heavenly Father will meet those basic needs for us if we seek His kingdom first (Matthew 6:30-33).

Paul warned about the result that can affect Christians, too, if we succumb to materialism: "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. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (1 Timothy 6:9-10).

"Those who desire to be rich" – what does that have to do with wants, some might ask. But think for a moment about the many servants that would have been necessary in Paul's time to provide all the conveniences we take for granted today in our western world: Comfortable dwellings with running hot and cold water, light and power at the touch of a switch, refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers, automobiles, etc. To provide similar conveniences 2000 years would have required many servants, meaning that we would have been very wealthy people.

More than 30 years ago an old man exhorted his listeners to prepare to reduce their standard of living greatly. His name was Herbert W. Armstrong.

Would you be satisfied with food, clothing and shelter? Or would something be missing, like entertainment or an annual vacation at a nice location?

God is not against us having desires, of course, as long we pursue them in accordance with His basic law and do not confuse them with wants. So, do we know the difference between wants and needs?

With these thoughts I wish us all a rewarding Sabbath!