Being lacking nothing is a concept that comes from James 1:4 in the Bible, which says “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” This verse is teaching us that as Christians, when we patiently endure trials and temptations, God will mold us and shape us to become more like Christ. The end result is that we will mature in our faith and become “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” So what does it mean to be lacking nothing? Let’s explore this idea further.
1. Lacking No Spiritual Maturity
To be “lacking nothing” first and foremost points to spiritual maturity and completeness. When we go through difficult circumstances, it develops perseverance and character in us (James 1:2-4). As we lean into God during trials, we grow in our knowledge of Him, our trust in Him deepens, and we become more like Christ. The testing of our faith refines us and helps us mature. So someone who is “lacking nothing” has persevered through tests and gained spiritual wisdom and character through the process. They are spiritually mature and complete in Christ.
2. Lacking No Good Thing from God
The phrase “lacking nothing” also communicates the idea that God will meet all of our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). As we walk with Him, seeking His kingdom first, He promises to provide everything we need for this life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Jesus assures us that if we ask, it will be given to us (Matthew 7:7). God is a loving Father who wants to bless His children and give them every good thing (James 1:17). So when we are “lacking nothing,” it means God has supplied all that we need for life, godliness, and joy according to His perfect will.
3. Lacking No Fruit of Righteousness
To “lack nothing” can also refer to lacking no good work or fruit of righteousness in our lives. As we mature spiritually, we should naturally produce fruits such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Our lives should overflow with good deeds done out of love for God and others (Titus 3:8; Hebrews 13:16). The trials we endure should produce steadfastness and character in us over time (James 1:2-4). As we follow Christ’s example, walking in the spirit, we will bear fruit that brings glory to God.
4. Lacking No Virtue
In 2 Peter 1:5-8, we are instructed to make every effort to add virtues to our faith including goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. The result of possessing these qualities is that we will be “effective and productive” in the knowledge of Christ, and we will not be “ineffective or unfruitful.” So being “perfect and complete, lacking nothing” means diligently adding these virtues to our faith. It is cultivating excellence of godly character and reflecting the image of Christ in all we do.
5. Lacking No Blessing in Christ
Ephesians 1 teaches us that God has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing. As His children, we lack no blessing that He has to offer! Through Christ, our sins are forgiven, we are adopted into God’s family, we are redeemed, we have an inheritance in heaven, and we have been sealed with the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:3-14). Believers lack nothing of what God has provided through His Son. We have it all in Him – salvation, family, future hope, purpose. In Christ, we are truly complete and “lacking nothing.”
6. Lacking No Gift or Talent God Has Given
God has gifted each of us uniquely to play our role in the body of Christ (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11). To “lack nothing” means we are using all of the gifts, talents, and resources God has entrusted to us for building up others and glorifying Him with our lives. We lack nothing God intended for us to use for His purposes. Walking in our gifts and calling reflects our completeness in Christ.
7. Lacking No Contentment
Contentment is a key aspect of being satisfied and “lacking nothing.” When we find contentment in Christ, we are confident in God’s goodness and provision in our lives. Even when circumstances are difficult, we can “be content in whatever situation” we find ourselves in (Philippians 4:11-13). Our contentment isn’t based on riches or earthly comforts, but on the steadfast love of God and His presence with us. Lacking nothing means contentedly accepting our station in life as God designed it.
8. Lacking No Joy
Though trials and suffering will come, Jesus promises us a joy that is complete and full (John 15:11). This joy remains with us even in the darkest of times because it is rooted in Christ and our relationship with Him. It is a joy unspeakable and filled with glory (1 Peter 1:8). The joy of the Lord gives us strength no matter what we face in life (Nehemiah 8:10). When we are filled with God’s joy, we can say we truly “lack nothing” that brings delight to the heart.
9. Lacking No Saving Knowledge of Christ
Most importantly, when we come to know Christ as Lord and Savior, we lack nothing that is required for salvation. Jesus paid the penalty for our sins through His death on the cross, so that by faith in Him, we receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life (Ephesians 1:7). There is nothing we can add to His completed work. Through His grace alone, lacking nothing, we have redemption, righteousness, and reconciliation with God.
10. Lacking No Eternal Hope
Finally, when we walk with Christ, we can say with confidence that we “lack nothing” pertaining to an eternal hope and glorious future (Romans 5:1-5). We have an imperishable inheritance awaiting us in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-5). Jesus promised He is preparing a place for us and He will return to take us there (John 14:2-3). We lack no assurance, peace, or hope in God’s promises regarding eternity. All our future and final needs are supplied in full by Christ.
In summary, being “perfect and complete, lacking nothing” means spiritual maturity, fruitfulness, contentment, and fullness in Christ. As we grow in godly character through enduring trials, God supplies all our needs, fills us with His joy and blessings, and gives us an eternal hope in Him. In Christ, the Christian truly lacks no good thing pertaining to this life or the next. By God’s grace and power at work within us, we can press on to maturity and completeness, satisfied and fulfilled in Him alone.