Resources/Articles
Three Needs
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after
righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Matthew 5:6
An unidentified source said there are three things a person needs to be happy: 1) Something to do - meaningful work or helping others; 2) Someone to love - someone to whom we can give of ourselves, such as a spouse, a child, or a friend; and 3) Something to look forward to - a vacation, a visit from a loved one, improved health, or the realization of a dream. All three of the above may bring some a reasonable degree of happiness, but for lasting fulfillment, all three can be found in the life of a Christian.
Something to do. Christians are blessed with an opportunity to be molded into a “workmanship of God” (Ephesians 2:10). With this opportunity comes the ability God provides through His grace for every disciple of Christ to work successfully in His kingdom (Romans 12:3). Romans 12:9-21 has a wonderful list of work to be done in the church. Along with this list is the exhortation to spread the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:24-26). Prayers are to be offered (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Encouragement needs to be delivered (1 Thessalonians 5:11-14). Burdens need to be carried (Galatians 6:1-3). Scripture needs to be studied and applied (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Timothy 4:16). Courage needs to be demonstrated (1 Peter 3:13-17). A Christian can always find something to do (Matthew 20:28).
Someone to love. Love wells deeply within each person’s heart, but a Christian’s love is known because it is shown to him first by God (1 John 4:19). We love others, “for love is of God” (v. 7). The ways you can love someone varies from forgiveness to apology to rescuing them from sin to a hug to holding a hand to give to their need. There will always be someone to love in the church and in the world. Every Christian needs to demonstrate this love as one of the first items of discipleship. “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love to one another” (John 13:35).
Something to look forward to. Some people “cannot wait” for the day they get their driver’s license, week of vacation, or retirement. One day Christians to which should give attention is the “welcoming day” into God’s presence forever. In His presence we will enjoy a perfect place prepared especially for those who have faithfully followed His calling (John 14:2-3; Revelation 21:3-4). We will see Jesus and be like Him (1 John 3:2). We will abide in the midst of God’s glory. This will be a great need after we have wholeheartedly labored and lovingly toiled in the kingdom of God’s Son. What a day that will be. In order for this day to be ours, we must stretch and press forward (Philippians 3:13,14).
