Is it a Want or a Need?

We took a field trip today.  It was only to the local Walmart, but it was to learn a hands-on lesson.  In our study of money, we have been learning God's principles of Stewardship.

But what is the difference between a need and a want?  I think, many times, we think things are needs when they aren't.  Food is a need.  Cookies and candy are a want.  Seems simple, but how often do we see something that we want and convince ourselves that it is a need?

Milk, Cheese, Eggs... all can be classified as a need.  But what about Chocolate milk?  Free-range eggs?  Cadbury eggs? (just joking!)  My point is that some of our needs are based on our opinions, but only to a degree.

We live in an age where we can run to the nearest Super Store and buy nearly whatever we desire.  The availability of all of these material things combined with the easy access of food has blurred the lines of want and need.

The girls went around the store and had to choose what was a need and what was a want.  I made it a little tricky sometimes.  Some things are dependent on situations.  Blankets?  Well, if you have a bunch, it is a want.  If you don't have a blanket, then it may very possibly be a need.

It got tricky at some points, but the girls now understand that not everything is a need.  Yes, this should be common sense.  All around us, however, is a very materialistic world where the lines between need and want are easily blurred.

As my girls, especially Laura, looked around at the things of beauty, and we talked about true needs, I prayed that they would understand that the "pretty" things or "fun" things are nice to have, but they won't bring true happiness.

At the checkout counter, as mommy bought a couple of true needs for the house, Megan found the familiar play cell phones.  All a four year old knows is that every adult in her life has a cell phone.  The question of whether a cell phone is a want or a need was a big one.  We often use cell phones as a want.  It is nice to keep track of kids, for texting and calling friends and family, and even for the games and access to the internet.  But, is it a need?  Well, when it aids in calling for help in an emergency, then it can be classified as a need.  While most of our uses for a cell isn't need based, it can fulfill that role.  However, internet access and games on the cell is a want, not a need.  Hopefully my children can understand these issues and make quality decisions as they are faced with them.

 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19