As I tossed them in the cart, checked out, and headed to lunch, I began daydreaming about the outfits I would wear with my new shoes. Before even realizing it, I had mentally decided I now needed a new pair of jeans and the white peasant top I had passed in TJ Maxx last week to match my new shoes. Ultimately, the new shoes I thought I needed didn’t satisfy me; they only increased my appetite for more. And that’s the thing about “needing” anything other than Jesus. See, we will always be left empty and wanting more, never truly satisfied.
Needs that Never Satisfy
After returning my new espadrilles, I began thinking about all of the things I categorize as a “need” in my life other than Jesus. Despite knowing Jesus is enough, I often live like I need more.
My list of “needs” could go on and on. And while most of the things on my list aren’t inherently bad things-coffee, new clothes, and a loving husband can all be gracious gifts from the Lord-I have to be careful not to elevate the gifts of God to the status of God. By allowing something other than Jesus to become a need, we erect it as an idol in our hearts and bow down to it. But it’s not okay to keep worshipping our idols just because we worship Jesus too. From the days of Moses until now, God has made it clear-no other name is worthy. I need nothing else but him.
What We Believe Changes How We Live
Growing up in church, I learned of my need for Jesus from a very young age. And every day of my life since then has been a testament to needing him desperately. Jesus has walked me through countless trials, held me in my darkest nights, and offered me peace beyond my own understanding. Above all else, he has forgiven me of my sin, set my hope in heaven, and redeemed even the most broken parts of my soul. Truly, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I need Jesus.
But needing Jesus and needing only Jesus are two different things.
I know that I need Jesus, but I often forget that I only need him. Theoretically, Jesus is enough, but practically I often live like I need more. Maybe you can relate to some of the needs I listed earlier? I might proclaim to believe all I need is Jesus, but my words, actions, and thoughts reveal that I think Jesus plus (whatever I am currently longing for) will satisfy me.
When We Add to Jesus, We Miss the Point
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I truly understood, that we can admit to needing Jesus, but it really drove the point home, when it said “We need ONLY Jesus!” Thank You for the message.
[…] aching for a deeper relationship with him. But often we don’t feed our spiritual hunger with food that satisfies, so the ache inside of us grows. Unsatisfied spiritual hunger produces sin. When these sins begin […]
[…] Even when we have trusted in Christ for salvation, we often turn to sources other than Christ for hope and rescue. But they can never deliver as Jesus does. We are prone to believe that Jesus is one essential component to salvation, one key factor in the equation. But Jesus didn’t say, “I know the way back to God, I’ll provide guidance to the truth, and I can help you find life.” He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6, emphasis mine). Salvation and life are found in him alone—plus nothing. […]