Have you ever said this before?

I need this.

Not just I want it, not just it would be nice if I had this, but I need it.

No, no, no, no.

I need this.

So maybe it's something simple.

Maybe it's something like your phone.

It's got to be on your person all the time.

Or maybe it's your schedule going your way.

Or the way your job needs to work out.

Or maybe it's something deeper like respect.

Or maybe it's honor.

Or maybe it's a relationship that actually goes to the level of intimacy that you so desperately need it to.

Well, let me ask you something.

What happens when the things we so desperately

want slowly become things we believe we need, like we require, like I can't live without it.

I've been thinking about this and how subtle it is because it sneaks up on us and turns into a monster tyrant and we don't

even realize it. It doesn't start in a bad place. It starts with something completely normal.

Like, you know what? I'd really like that. And there's nothing wrong with liking good things, beneficial things.

I mean, God made us that way.

I like food.

I want some food.

...