When I was working in fast food (many a year ago), my pet peeve was people who’d come in and say “I need a 1/4 white with a side of spinach and a side of macaroni. And I need a half whole wheat roll instead of a cornbread.”
Okay, so it wasn’t that particular order that annoyed me. (Although why anyone would want a roll instead of Boston Market’s cornbread completely escapes me–sorry Mom and Dad.)
What annoyed me was how these customers glibly stated that they needed x, y, and z.
I wanted to tell them, “You don’t need a quarter white. You want a quarter white, or you’d like a quarter white, or your wife will nag you if you don’t get a quarter white. But you don’t need a quarter white.”
Of course, I was too good at customer service to let my annoyedness show. So I smiled and got them what they “needed.” They were, after all, paying customers.
I’ve realized, though, that I often do the exact same thing.
No, I don’t tell fast food workers that I need the items that I actually just want–but I regularly tell God or others all about the things I need.
My computer is running slowly–I need a new one.
I have to feed paper sheet by sheet into my printer–I need a new printer.
My camera is battered and bruised–I need a DSLR.
I am tired–I need a vacation.
I need, I need, I need.
When really, I have everything I need.
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
~Philippians 4:19
Actually, there is just one thing I still need (having been given, in Christ, all that I need for life and godliness).
I need contentment.
“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
~Philippians 4:11-13
contentment is a HUGE issue with so many, or the lack there of. this is a hard one to teach my children. we are living in an instant gratification society and they “need” that newest gadget or movie or whatever before their friends have it. Mind you I do not cater to those types of needs but it doesn’t keep them from asking. yet another great post!
Ooooh, that hits the mark. I need, need, need… now often we hear that being said, when – as you say – it really is, I want, want, want.
Praying for contentment….such a blessed grace to have :)
This is a convicting post. Truly we don’t need neat as much as we think, yet God often lovingly supplies our wants, too.
Have you ever seen the movie “What About Bob?” If so, I’m thinking of the “Help me, I need I need I need” scene. :-)
I’ve been realizing what a whiner I am lately, so this is a good post for me. Thanks.