I want…
So often after the words “I want” I describe the tangible and material. After all, “want” implies that it’s not needed for survival and simply aids in comfort or convenience.
Especially after the holiday season, I’m aware of all the things I wanted but didn’t really need. After all, I did want that Red Ryder BB gun and I did want several pieces of pumpkin pie.
I want to be…
The greater desire of our hearts seeking Christ is to be transformed. We desire character change – no exchange. His for mine. It’s not I that live anymore, but Christ lives in me (Gal. 2:20). I want my life to be less of me and more of him.
As that (sanctification) happens, we glimpse the place where his thoughts are higher than our thoughts and his ways are different than our ways.
In everyday life we can see these God sightings in stark contrast to what is typical. For instance, …
A man walking to his car saw a young boy hanging around it. Suspicious of the boy, the man growled, “What are you doing?”
“Studying this car,” the boy replied.
Yeah, sure the man thought. So, he began to quiz the boy. “What kind of car is it?” he asked.
“A ’99 Mercedes Benz,” the boy said.
“What color” the man asked. “Metallic burgundy,” said the boy.
After a few more questions, the man realized the little guy knew his stuff and they began to chat. The boy asked how much he paid for the car. The man replied, “Nothing. I had a need, and my brother gave it to me.”
The boy started to say, “Man! I wish I…”
“You wish you had a brother like that?” the man interrupted.
“No.” said the boy. “I wish I could be a brother like that.” (From Daniel Rickerts book, Building Healthy Relationships)
I want to be like that.
To be a provider for others needs. To give of all that has been given to me. To be generous and kind.
It’s so obvious that my thirst for myself has left me wanting more (Rhett Walker Band, Come to the River.). I don’t want to want more of this stuff. I don’t want to want for more, earthly comfort, because it doesn’t bring true joy.
I want more of him and less of me. I want to be a brother like that.
