At holidays and birthdays, we may hear family and friends asking, “What do you want?”

In Scripture, we find some interesting requests presented to God and Jesus:

• In Old Testament times, after being led by a number of judges, Israel asked God for a king. Why? Well, all the other nations had one (1 Samuel 8:19-20). Even though it was not what was best, God conceded, and gave Israel what she wanted.
• In the New Testament, we find the disciples, brothers James and John, asking to sit at the right and left sides of Jesus in glory (Mark 10:37). Clearly, they wanted honor. Jesus’ response puts all followers in their place. “[A]nd whoever wants to be first must be slave of all” (Mark 10:44).

Jesus also taught, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it” (Mark 8:35). This requires flipping our priorities, being willing to sacrifice self and put Jesus first.

This teaching is exemplified in Jesus’ instructions to the young rich man. “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Matthew 19:21).

Still wondering what we should want? The apostle Paul says, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection . . .” (Philippians 3:10a). More than simply knowing Christ, Paul wanted to experience God’s Son and His power.

With so many choices, may we examine our heart and consider what we really want. David wrote, “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). May we allow God to put the right desires and ‘wants’ in our heart.