I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10b
Neediness comes in all shapes and sizes.
Just ask Abraham Maslow. In 1943 he created this hierarchy of needs, and it’s still used today.
Things like food, water, shelter, and safety make up the first two categories. When churches engage in mission, this is what they tend to focus on. After all, how can a person survive without them?
But the other needs? Those matter, too.
A healthy, well-rounded person needs to have all of these other needs met in some way, like having friends, self-confidence, and a creative outlet.
As you look at these categories, does one jump out at you? Some area where you are feeling especially, or chronically needy?
I’ll admit I come back to the “esteem” category fairly often. I care too much about what other people think. And I’ve had more than my fair share of “safety” needs–plenty of health-related stuff.
Here are two areas that aren’t covered on the list:
- Wants.
Did you notice? People need resources, like a car, or a job. Neither an Escalade nor an exec-level job are mentioned by name. Friendship or family are listed, but spouse isn’t. Self Esteem? Yes. Botox, not so much.
There are lots of groups out there that teach/preach “Abundance”–but often it’s this idea of manifesting your heart’s desires. When Jesus talks about abundant life–he’s talking about our core needs. - Transcendence
Later in life, Maslow added an additional category, way at the top, called Transcendence. This speaks to the need to live beyond oneself. A spiritual life. Sacrificial love.
Identifying this as a basic human need is so important. Even a staunch atheist needs to transcend a closed-off, self-centered existence.
This is what Paul was pointing at when he said “Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2). I think the “things on earth” he’s speaking of are material desires, not daily bread.
There are some other needs Maslow didn’t mention, like the need for play, for agency, for knowledge, even mystery. Feel free to throw those into the mix.
One last thing to consider: Are you focusing on the higher needs to the detriment of the foundational ones? Productivity over family or health? Spontaneity over safety?
How “Maslow” do you go when you examine your neediness?
Jesus goes all the way. It’s all important to him–up and down the chart.
He isn’t focusing on eternal life, or a comfortable life, but an abundant one, where you can truly flourish.
Needs come in all shapes and sizes.
What is the shape of yours?
Have a great week,
Mitch
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