Have you heard of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs? It is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs:
Physiological needs - air, food, drink, shelter, clothing etc.
Safety needs - order, predictability and control in ones life
Love and belongingness needs - friendship, intimacy, trust, and acceptance, receiving and giving affection, and love
Esteem needs - self-worth, accomplishment and respect
Self-actualization needs - realization of a person's potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences
Maslow states that the highest most important need that a person has is the need for self-actualization - becoming the most the person can be by achieving their goals, dreams and aspirations. After that, all their needs are truly met. It almost seems attainable doesn't it? All I have to do is self-actualize and I will feel whole and complete. I won't want for anything.
But that isn't quite true, is it?
Time after time after time we hear people, who for all intents and purposes have reached the top of Maslow's pyramid. They have self actualized many times over and it's still not enough. They still feel empty. And so to combat that emptiness they continue to try and fill their lives with things and achievements and even people. But it doesn't work that way. People, things and achievements will never satiate that deep rooted need because that is something only God can fill.
Philippians 4:19 says "And my God will meet all your needs..." Think about that. All your needs, all my needs. Not some, not a few, ALL. Is it because He is all powerful and nothing is impossible for Him? Yes, that's partially why, but it's so much more. Anything you could ever need in your entire life can only be met in Jesus. Any need. When you have Jesus in your life ALL YOUR NEEDS are supplied. Not some, not a few, ALL. Jesus is all you need. He is your provider, your healer, your strength, your grace, your comfort, your cheerleader, your guide... and the list goes on. There is nothing that you and I could ever need that we cannot find in Jesus.
But that's a hard sell, because this world tells us that everything we need is within us, that if we work hard and put our minds to it we can accomplish our goals we will be fulfilled, but true lasting fulfillment can only be found in Jesus Christ. Think about Christians in countries where there is extreme poverty or persecution. They aren't hitting the top of Maslow's pyramid and yet the joy and contentment they have is unrivaled. Why? They have figured out that with Jesus they have all that they will ever need.
So what is it that you need today? Or should I say, Who...?
by: Kalesha Peters
