We have a rather extensive list of needs.
The basics of food, shelter, and clothing hardly begin to capture them.
For we are quite particular in the manner each of those is satisfied, and have a litany of other requirements. We need food, but moreso we ‘need’ healthy food that is attuned to our palate. We need shelter, but we really ‘need’ a place of our own in the right area outfitted with everything we could possibly desire. We need clothing, but really a wardrobe that is timeless, stylish, and constantly updated. Furthermore we need a job, but we really ‘need’ a job that provides us with purpose, fulfillment, and a substantial paycheck. We also need family, friends, health, entertainment, rest… and the list continues.
For we may like to consider ourselves simple and easy-going, but the truth is we are often anything but.
Despite this reality, I’d ask you to follow along in this thought exercise. If you were to attempt to distill down your needs to just two things, what would they be? What would you ask for? What should you ask for?
“And then he prayed, “God, I’m asking for two things before I die; don’t refuse me - Banish lies from my lips and liars from my presence. Give me enough food to live on, neither too much north little. If I’m too full, I might get independent, saying, ‘God? Who needs him?’ If I’m poor, I might steal and dishonor the name of my God.””
Truth and contentment. When I first read this verse I was underwhelmed. For while truth and contentment are good things, I didn’t think they were THE quintessential things. Meaning, if I were to distill life down to two requests, I didn’t think they would make the cut.
However, as I have further considered this passage, I have begun to appreciate the wisdom inherent in the request. For deception is typically the first step in any sin. Ergo complete honesty and transparency allow me to circumvent a multitude of hazards. Additionally, the state of my being is a significant factor in how I navigate life and faith. For when things are going well, I am quick to relegate my faith to the backseat and increasingly trust myself. Conversely, when life goes poorly I am inclined to take things into my own hands, having lost faith and patience. Contentment, however, allows me to achieve peace without abandoning God on either the high or low end.
My conclusion is that a life filled with truth and contentment provides real freedom. Freedom from deception, disappointment, hubris, and want. All things that plague my life daily, and cause me to forfeit my peace for anxiety. Maybe it is time to update our wishlists and bring truth and contentment up.