Wanting Vs. Greed Vs. Need

How many of you have a closet full of clothes but continue to buy more because you have to have that dress?

Be very careful with this. There is a difference in wanting something, being greedy and needing something.

Webster says greed is:
a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (as money) than is needed

Webster says want is:
to have a strong desire for

The Bible says greed is:
“For the love of money is the root of all evil.” Timothy, 6:10.

Greed is such a big no-no in the Christian faith, that there are two Commandments against it
Commandment 8 "Thou shalt not steal" When you steal, you want something so badly you take it from the owner. It's a selfish desire for something.
Commandment 10 "Thou shalt not covet your neighbors wife or property" ok paraphrasing a bit, but coveting is such an excessive want, not taking but want, almost to the point of gluttony.

It's ok to want something, I want a lot of things. A new house, a new car, another baby by adoption, more money etc. The normal wants. But I don't want them to the point that the want consumes my daily life. You have to limit yourself here so you don't break a Commandment.

I need things too, I need more money (in today's economy who doesn't?) I need a new carpet cleaner, I need to have my oil changed and I need to spend less time on the computer. Is there a difference in need, want and greed? Yes.

Webster says need is:
1 a : a lack of something requisite, desirable, or useful b : a physiological or psychological requirement for the well-being of an organism

Don't confuse need with want "I neeeeeeed that dress!!" Do you really need it or do you want it? You have a closet full of dresses, do you really need that dress? No. This want/need is a form of greed. You have an excessive desire for more dresses than you need.

"We're out of milk and cereal, I need to go to the store." You're out of a major meal item do you need to go to the store? More than likely not, I'm sure you have another substitute and a lot of Americans skip breakfast, however, if the cereal is for your child, chances are you actually need it. Children need more food for fuel and nutrients. See the difference is need/want/greed?

My thoughts: It's not fun just getting by, but in today's market place, that's all you can do. Save that extra $15 you were going to spend on a new dress because next month you may have an unexpected bill come up. Don't blow your money. It's ok to splurge now and again, but keep it small and in proportion. If you don't need it, don't buy it. If you don't have the money, don't charge it because chances are you won't have the money next month either. And most importantly, when you say you need something, make sure you need it and you're not being greedy.