Difference Between Needs and Wants

“And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

I’ve had a love/hate relationship with this passage throughout my ministry. This passage has been used by some wealthier church members through my years of ministry to affirm their financial success and to pry money out of church members who desire what these wealthy members have in their bank accounts. The rationale for this charge? If you give more money, God will fully satisfy your desires (“needs”) and bless you tenfold.

Sometimes, I humbly confess I wasn’t strong enough to challenge these theological misinterpretations faithfully. Oh, these church members had their proof, as given by prosperity gospel peddlers like Joel Osteen, Benny Hinn, and Joyce Meyer, just to name a few. One of their go-to scripture passages is Philippians 4:19. They often quote the passage with a subtle change, as I’ve said, substituting “needs” with “want” or “desire.”

First, we should briefly discuss our definition of “need.” I am fond of telling the story of when our daughter Hannah was little, and she wanted something. From the age of four until sometime in college, Hannah never used the word “want.” Instead, Hannah substituted the word “need.” Everything for Hannah was a “need.” “Daddy, I need this new dolly.” As she got older, it became a joke between us. She still says, “Hannah needs” when she sees something she wants or is way beyond what she can afford.

Sadly, many people never get the joke. They struggle, never learning the difference between a “want” and a “need.” Failing to learn this lesson can have devastating consequences. A “want” is something we desire but can live without. A “need” is something necessary for life. If everything is a need, we will remain miserable. Many people live this reality.

Today, think about the things you “want” and “need.” What items are needed for you to be happy? Are they needs? Can your definition of “needs” be narrowed so your desires do not overwhelm your pocketbook? One huge “need” for me is not to feel the helplessness of enormous debt. That feeling of being out of control is sickening. Prayerfully ask God to separate your wants from your needs. The genuinely faithful and mature person is the one who needs the least to be happy and fulfilled. Prosperity Gospel is a false theology that hurts the faithful and creates needy people. God, bless us with few needs and fewer wants!

-This devotion was originally published in October of 2017