Sermon On Necessity In Life

William Pitt the Younger, a former British Prime Minister once remarked: “Necessity is the plea for every infringement on human rights. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.” 1 John 2:15-17 reminds us: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life - is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

Necessity is defined as the state or fact of being required. It may be deemed vital as a prerequisite to a formal agreement or other consideration. In most countries, elements of described necessity are deemed as an ensemble by those in control, or perhaps as a fundamental principle of humanity. Necessity can be seen by some as the key factor to an assurance in life. Many may regard it as a requirement with a meaning. It can become a driving force in life for achievement or survival. Laws are said to be instigated primarily to maintain order or safety. Food is a necessity to sustain life, together with water for the hydration of bodily parts. However, perhaps the greatest necessity of all, is that of love.

Everyone needs love in life. It is one of the important sustainments in any existence. For what is a person without love? but a flower deprived of its bloom. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 confirms: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.”

Necessity has both favour and disfavour in its concept that can signify justice or injustice. If one uses the stratagem of necessity purely for personal gain or pleasure, at the cost of others, then this interpretation by the individual applying it is being wrongly used for the benefit of unnecessary advantage. Necessity should be regarded as a responsibility, primarily imposed to safeguard goodness and deter evil.

For most Christians and believers, God is considered as a necessity for life. Without His presence and love, we would have no purpose. It would be like wandering aimlessly in a wilderness of fire without assured comfort or security. Psalm 16:11 reminds us: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

However, if certain needs or pleasures that may be regarded as wrong or sinful and trialled or argued as “sine qua non” in life, can they really be deemed as a necessity? Galatians 5:19-21 reminds us: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

In Christian life, whether one is born into richness or poverty, despite the arrogant thinking of others, all are equal in the sight of God. If one is considered of regal wealth and status, or the lesser rank of servitude, aside from the important aspects of generosity and loving one another, two of the secondary elements of provision to others may well include help and kindness. 2 Samuel Chapter 9 reminds us: And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?” Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “I am your servant.” And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.” The king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.” Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar. And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage.