Let It Overflow

"The word Need relates to the things that you can't live without, while the term Want corresponds to the things that you can live without". This phrase stayed in my head from the moment I've heard it in one of the last few OJT seminars I attended back in college. The institute conducted such seminars to prepare us for the real world after graduation. The main topic was about the proper management of one's daily spending to be able to save effectively. I wasn't really interested to attend at that time but it's compulsory so I had no choice. I thought it will be just as boring as the other seminars it followed. I didn't expect that this 2-hour lecture will give me a lesson for a lifetime.
I've been working for more than 3 years now and I'm trying to live by this principle everyday. I admit there are times when I struggle and give in to temptations but God is always there to rectify my way. The Lord blessed me with a healthy job because He knows my needs. And I should always be grateful for that. I may not have the privilege to save and spend just yet for myself due to my responsibilities as a bread-winner of the family but I never felt sorry for it. To be able to give back to the people who supported you all the way from infancy is a blessing. No words can express the joy and satisfaction I am feeling whenever I see my family happy - a reward that no material thing can ever bring to me. The Lord designed my life this way and I trust His plan.
Even though I keep this principle in mind, I can't help but think of myself sometimes. I want to make the most out of my earnings. Now that I have the means to spend for the things that I would really love to have, why can't I? But my conscience keeps bugging me whenever I crave for something - do I really need it or I just want it?
There are things in life that we simply can't live without - food, shelter, clothings, etc. These are all our needs. Satisfying them is a nature of man to sustain living but desiring more becomes a vice - a want that we can live without.

Eating in a simple eatery vs Eating in a fancy restaurant

Living in a humble house vs Living in a grand mansion

Renting a regular apartment vs Renting a luxurious condo

Wearing decent clothings vs Wearing branded garments

There's nothing wrong with fulfilling our wants sometimes but we have to be reasonable. Some people are struggling to eat at least one meal a day, to have decent clothes to wear or to search for a place in the streets where they can spend the night. You may not feel responsible for them but for a moment, try reflect on their lives. You are very blessed. Jesus Himself lived a humble life. Despite His kingship, He didn't live with anything beyond His needs.
"I need it" is significantly different from "I want it". You might want everything in this world but you just need a few to survive. It surely makes you feel happy to satisfy all your wants in Life but how about cutting some to satisfy others' needs if God blessed you more than enough. Everything we have comes from God. And we should give back by paying it forward. For God is honored by those who are kind to the needy (Proverbs 14:31).
Jesus' disciples went on to their missions with nothing but the Word of God. The Lord blessed other people and used them to provide for the needs of the apostles; so the work that God has called them to do may be accomplished. If God is flooding you with blessings, don't further the height of your wall to contain it within. Let it overflow. For God has called you to serve a purpose - to be a channel of blessings to the others in need. So that His mercy may be displayed through you.