We are needy people. On our best days and in our favorite situations we may not feel needy but then take away some of those things we are accustomed to and the needy feelings start to crop up pretty fast. Some of the things we "need" are pretty superficial, or what we have come to call "first world problems". Other things really are needs. My point here isn't to evaluate needs or classify them according to importance, just to point out that we really are needy people.
Needs, in their essence, are connected with expectations, aren't they? If you want me to make you pizza, I can do that, but I'm going to need a few things. What the expectations are dictate what is needed to fulfill that expectation. That makes sense, right? We all know what it's like to be asked to do a job but not be given what we need to carry it out.
As a follower of Christ, I know that there are certain expectations that go hand in hand with the concept. People may argue over details of what a Christian should and should not do, but all of those arguments are based on one starting point: there are things are compatible with following the teachings of Biblical Christianity and things, activities, behaviors, that just are not compatible. In other words, there are expectations and in order to meet those expectations there are things that we need.
In 2 Peter chapter 1 we gain a little bit of insight into this. Peter writes in verse 2, "May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord." He goes on to say, "His divine power has granted us all things that pertain to life and godliness...".
Are there things that you need in order to successfully navigate life, and to live out godliness? Yes, there are! And guess what? We find those things "in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord"! Don't miss the simplicity of this. By focusing on the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ we not only gain grace and peace as we live our lives, but we gain access to "all things that pertain to life and godliness".
Life can be tough. We can be needy. And as determined as I might be to do what is right and live a godly life, there are actually things that I need in order to be equipped to do so. By seeking God, focusing on Him, meditating on His word, and worshiping Him in all of His glory something significant happens. It isn't magic and it isn't some formula. It is just the truth of God. He works in me. He changes me. My thinking is transformed as my mind is brought into alignment with the heart of God. And friends, THAT is what I need. It is THEN that I am equipped for life. And for godliness.
Seek the knowledge of God, experience His grace and peace, and gain what you really need.
Marshall Pennell
Vero Bible Fellowship Elder Team