(13) Where God Meets Us: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Author:  STEVE
To:  Bob & John

        Our rounds of exchanges aren’t as distinguishable now , since we seem to be crossing correspondence. By coincidence (if you believe in such), Bob seemed to focus on the same next step in this journey – “getting there.” Though we appear to agree on “there” (union/reunion with God), it’s clear our road has become more bumpy. We have some differences to discuss and learn from

Two Major Hurdles
        At the outset of this journey, I expected we would have two major hurdles: (1) is the Bible literally true, and (2) is Jesus the only way there? Somewhat surprisingly, we passed by the first hurdle relatively easily. We didn’t get stuck on whether the Bible is literally true – we generally agree we can learn from what is written. (Bottom line, it’s not worth debating.) The second hurdle might be more difficult, but maybe we’ll be surprised again. And even if it is difficult, we will still learn.

A Characterization of Our Views on Getting There
        Let me start by attempting to characterize our different views on getting there. This might be an oversimplification, but here goes:
        Bob/John: Man can shape his own belief in God, and if you generally attempt to lead a good life, you are “in.”
        Steve: Man must accept that God made a sacrifice on our behalf, but you are “in” even if you have generally wasted your life and have made mostly cruel or wicked choices.

Taking it a little farther:
        Bob/John: I can achieve a union with God through my own pursuits.
        Steve: I can achieve a union with God by accepting his only limiting condition -- his grace.

        I’ve painted a stark contrast – one I’ve tried to avoid since we began this journey. That is why I tried to center our focus on a relationship with God, not what gets you “in” or “out” of heaven.

Another Way of Looking at This
        I come from a psychology background, but you, too, are probably familiar with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. At the most fundamental level, man needs to have his physiological needs met (food, shelter, health). That hierarchy progresses upward through safety, social, esteem, and finally, self-actualization.
        Maybe God enters into a relationship with us at different levels, based on our needs. Here are some New Testament illustrations. A number of folks came to him with physiological needs: “please restore my eyesight, please heal my leprosy.” The women about to be stoned for adultery was rescued by Jesus, when he uttered such profound words that all the accusers left her untouched (safety and social needs). Peter denies that Jesus is his friend three times and then walks away grieved by his cowardice. Jesus later restores Peter’s esteem by saying, “I can still use you in a very important way – feed my sheep.”
        Paul’s example is one of my favorites – a good example of self-actualization (with a healthy sprinkle of humility):  “I don’t mean to say I’m perfect. I haven’t learned all I should even yet. But I continue to keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ saved me for and wants me to be. I am still not all I should be but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” (Philippians 3:12, 13)
        In each of these instances, the recipient is profoundly thankful for a God who met their needs.
        OK, so you don’t need God’s forgiveness or his sacrifice. Do you need his love? Might you need his counsel or comfort sometime? Could you use his divine help in becoming all that you can be?
        When the time comes that you might need something from God, what leads you to believe that he cares or has the power to provide it? How do we know what God feels and can do for us – this God we cannot see?
        What can you tell your children about God? Maybe they will have needs and crises in their lives that will far surpass yours. Would you tell them that God could help them? Why should they believe you? What evidence, or what illustrations, of what God can do would you point out to them?
        You can’t use Jesus as an example, if he was only a good man. Sure, Jesus might be used as a model of how we should live our lives. But if he was just a man, that tells your children nothing of what God can do. So where do you go to illustrate for them God’s love and power meet their needs?
        Hopefully our children will outlive us. At a minimum, they will not look to us as often for help as they grow older. That is as it should be. But who would you recommend they go to in time of grief or overwhelming need, if you’re not there? Do they have any friends as wise, as concerned, as loving as you? Could even a future spouse meet all those needs?

I Want Evidence!
        From your viewpoint, where’s the evidence that God cares enough – and has the power – to be there when we need him? If there is no evidence, or none that we trust, it seems there’s no point in entering into this relationship with God.
        Is “believing in Jesus” the only way to know God? No. But it seems to me that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are the only way to know the depth of God’s love and power in meeting our needs – even though we might not need it at that level most days.
        This does not seem to be the case for you. What more convincing demonstration could God give us? What would you offer as evidence of his love and power? What will you tell your children? I ask this seriously, not rhetorically. I would like to know your thoughts on this.