Want to, have to, need to

Have you ever had these thoughts?

"My life is SO boring."

"I hate going to work."

"School sucks."

"I'm tired of these church meetings."

"This traffic is killing me!"

In some cultures, people will blame you if you say any of those thoughts.

We're supposed to work with our whole being for the Lord, not for people. Colossians 3:23

We're supposed to be able to love life and see good days. 1 Peter 3:10-11

We're supposed to be thankful, Colossians 3:15 NOT complaining. Philippians 2:14

We're supposed to rejoice in the Lord always, which is said TWICE so we won't overlook it. Philippians 4:4

We're supposed to pray without stopping. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

But WHEN are we allowed to just do the stuff that we WANT?

"Can't I have some 'ME' time?" someone asks in desperation.

WHY "HAVE TO"?

Have you heard of "compulsory education"?

Up to a certain age, most areas require that students go to school.

They have to attend classes.

For those of us who made it through school, we then hunted for a job and got it.

We're usually thrilled at that time.

"A job, money, freedom!"

Then, when the "honeymoon" ends and we do a reality check, it ain't so sweet, is it?

Hassles, long commutes, unfair labor practices, and such like can turn our job into a "have to" situation.

WHY "NEED TO"?

We have to go to work, not because we want to, but because we NEED the money and benefits.

"Oh, I'm happy anywhere as long as I get a paycheck and health insurance."

You know, there ARE people like this example.

Good for them.

But for those of us who would like to DO what we WANT to do and BE where we want to be, life can pose challenges to these desires.

CAN WE LOOK HIGHER?

But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake [Jesus'] and for the gospel will save it. Mark 8:35

In the same way, any one of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple [Jesus']. Luke 14:33

Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2

What are some SPIRITUAL things above where the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, John 1:29 sits at the Father's right hand? Hebrews 8:1

In a loud voice they were saying:

"Worthy is the Lamb, Who was slain,

to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” Revelation 5:12

SEVEN ITEMS

The Lamb received: power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing.

Believers in Him have been seated by God the Father with Him in heavenly places. Ephesians 2:4-6

Every day we could seek to have some of each.

SUNDAY: seek the POWER of His resurrection. Philippians 3:10

MONDAY: go after His spiritual WEALTH. Revelation 3:18

TUESDAY: follow after His WISDOM because in Him are hidden all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:3

WEDNESDAY: pursue the STRENGTH of Jesus. Ephesians 6:10; Colossians 1:11, 29

THURSDAY: receive the HONOR that comes from the Father as you follow Jesus. John 5:44; 12:26

FRIDAY: enjoy the GLORY that the Father gave Jesus and He has given to believers. John 17:22

SATURDAY: accept His BLESSING to enter into His rest Hebrews 4:9-11 because the Lord did the work for your salvation. John 19:30; Ephesians 2:8-9

What if the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to you? Matthew 28:9-10, 16-17; Mark 16:9, 12, 14; Luke 24:30-40; John 20:14-20, 26-28; 21:1; Acts 1:3; 22:17-18; 1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:5-8; Revelation 1:12-18

Would this change your view on "want to, have to, need to?"

What if the Savior then said to you, "Follow Me." Matthew 4:19; 8:22; John 1:43; 21:19, 22

Would we then have an honorable reason to live? Matthew 5:14-16; Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 6:20

IF YOU LOVE ME

Could we intertwine the Lord Jesus Christ's commands John 14:15 and other biblical instructions 2 Timothy 3:16-17 into everyday, not-so-exciting duties?

Could we at least TRY to see others as He did? Mark 10:21; Luke 7:11-15

Paul wrote,

We no longer look at people from only a human point of view. 2 Corinthians 5:16

Do people need the Lord?

That is why I [Jesus] told you that you would die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins. John 8:24

Can we do our part Ephesians 4:16 to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might? Ephesians 6:10

Can we do our part to take the whole armor of God and stand against the devil? Ephesians 6:11-13

Can we do our part to pray? Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Timothy 2:1-4

OBLIGATIONS OF LOVE

There are some activities that involve want to, have to, and need to.

Can you think of any?

How about taking care of your family?

Children, a spouse, those who get sick, and aging parents have needs and wants, too.

There are also friends, neighbors, and companion pets. Proverbs 18:24; Matthew 22:39; Romans 13:9-10

If we live in love toward them, we WANT to help them, we HAVE to, and NEED to because they depend on us. Acts 20:35; Romans 13:8; 1 Timothy 5:8; 1 John 3:17

DO ALL IN THE NAME OF JESUS

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

Doing all in His name, means living in His authority, character, and power. Psalm 91:14; John 17:6, 11-12, 26

He has all authority in heaven and earth. Matthew 28:18

Jesus delegated and granted believers to have His authority to go and make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:19-20

The fruit of righteousness that displays divine-like character 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 is by Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 1:11

His power to live Acts 1:8 and walk in His steps, 1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6 happens progressively as we grow into Him in all things. Ephesians 4:11-16

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Let's NOT be discouraged that we aren't YET where we think we could be spiritually. Philippians 3:12-16

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, Who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Your thoughts?

R. Jason