People agree that every man needs something—it all depends on who you ask as to what that something is. Ask a matchmaker and she will tell you every man needs a wife. Ask a car dealer and he will tell you every man needs a car. Ask a financial advisor and he will tell you every man needs a sound financial plan. Whether or not every man needs any or all of these is somewhat subjective. In some cases these may be wise or even biblical. It is better to marry than burn and we are admonished to work hard and prepare for the future (1 Cor. 7:1-9; Prov. 6:6-11; 10:4, 5). However, these are not necessarily what every man needs.

What every man (and woman) needs is to be redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (Jn. 1:29). With the exception of the mentally incompetent—whether young or old—every person is a sinner (Rom. 3:23). We all grow to the age when we understand right from wrong and we choose at some point to do wrong. In this condition we are separated from God and doomed to eternal punishment; “dead in trespasses and sins” (Isa. 59:1, 2; Eph. 2:1).

A wife, car, or sound financial plan will not redeem a man from sin. The act of getting married does not save a soul. Having a nice car—house, clothes, boat—will not redeem one person. The best financial planning cannot transfer one from the kingdom of Satan to the kingdom of God. Peter said, “Know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from you fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Pet. 1:18, 19).

Only the blood of Christ can give us what we all need—forgiveness (Rom. 5:9; Heb. 9:12). It is in Christ and through His blood that we go from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light (Col. 1:13, 14). If we fail in this, we have failed altogether. “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mk. 8:36). If a man has the best wife, or a woman has the best husband, yet never turns to Christ, what good will it do in the end? None. If a man has the best financial plan, a good job, saves and spends wisely, helps the poor, and is able to afford the nicer things of life, but he neglects to plan for his soul, what good will it do? None.

Let us keep before our minds what every man (and woman) needs—salvation. Not only do we need it for ourselves, but we need to consider others. Our neighbors need the redemption found in Christ, not necessarily tips on losing weight, what the hottest stock is, how to fix his boat, or where to find the best flowers to plant. Nothing is wrong with discussing these things, but do not forget what is truly important.