Personal Finance Workbook

Needs and Desires
In America we have a perception problem. We interchange needs and desires with one another so frequently that we confuse one for the other.
“What is a need?”
“What are desires?”
“Is wanting something necessarily bad?”

Children must rely on their parents for guidance in this area. As parents we know that our son or daughter doesn’t need tennis shoes that cost $95. With their begging, whining, and complaining our children would have us believe that they’re going to die if their need for a home video game system isn’t met by our willing wallets. Parents face the constant challenge of helping their children understand the difference between needs and wants.

The same is certainly true of us. We are God’s children; He ultimately knows, better than anyone, what we need.

What does the Bible say about our needs?
" And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Clearly, our needs will ultimately be satisfied by God. Look, for example, at the first couple of lines of Psalms 23:
" The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Psalm 23:1

This famous passage goes on to illustrate the various ways God meets the real needs of our life.

As Christians, we often adopt the mind-set that things we desire but do not need must be wrong or even sinful. God does want us to enjoy our role as a steward and often sacrifice and suffering are a part of this enjoyment. For the steward, it is exciting to see and experience how God will meet our challenging and changing needs. This is not the normal area of struggle for most of us. In America, where most of us have a higher annual income than two thirds of the rest of the world, we struggle with materialism and greed. Look at

Biblical Position on Giving, Savings, and Debt

Introduction

Needs and Desires

The Debt Trap

The Ease of Debt Growth

Debt Repayment

The True Cost of Debt

Plotting Financial Goals

Gifts Given Record

Debt Records

Statement of Net Worth

Monthly Income Statement

Monthly Cash Flow Recording Sheet

Percentage Guide

Income Graph

Where Do We Go From Here?

Biblical Guidelines

Financial Objectives

Glossary of Terms

Reference List & Acknowledgements

these following passages in Scripture that speak to this area.

Need: Philippians 4:19; Matthew 6:32, 33
Desire: Psalms 37:4; Ephesians 2:3; Colossians 3:5; Deuteronomy 14:26 Matthew 13:17; 1 Corinthians 12:31; Galatians 6:12; Hebrews 11:16

God is very specific about where our needs are to be met—through Him.
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