One of the psychological theorists that CHRISTIANS embrace is Abraham Maslow and his theory of self-actualization. Maslow developed a theory (did you catch that it is a THEORY not a law, not a scientific fact, but a thought or idea that is unable to be proven even by so-called scientific testing?).
Maslow had a theory about the “hierarhy of mankind’s needs” beginning first with physical needs (food & shelter) then moving to security “needs” like income and family. The third level of his pyramid is love and the fourth level at the top is purpose. Only when these 4 levels are met in this order can someone be “self-actualized.”
Sounds good from a humanistic perspective, doesn’t it? Makes some sense but did he get his ideas from the Bible?
Is this what Jesus taught Christians? Did Jesus say, “Get your physical needs met, store up lots of income, find human love in friendships and family, and then find your purpose in me to do ministry”?
I think not. Jesus said to His followers, “Come and follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” Jesus gave His disciples PURPOSE first. They had a vision to follow and only the promise that Jesus would take care of their real needs (food, clothing, & shelter). In other words, these men had to walk by faith and not by sight. Maslow’s hierarchy promotes sight and not faith.
Maslow would have you believe, “Get your ducks in a row and then find your purpose in life.” Maslow encourages people to live for themselves and to advance their temporal kingdom for material possessions in this life.
Jesus would say, “Find your purpose in Me and I’ll care for you though it won’t be easy.” Jesus calls people to die for Him and His kingdom which is advancing daily.
We get it backwards. We think we have to be experts in the Word to do God’s will for discipleship and biblical counseling. We think we have to have a seminary degree but that’s not who Jesus chose in His twelve disciples. He chose ordinary men whom He discipled so that they would be strong in their faith to do ministry.
That’s our focus in 2010 at TIL. Equip ordinary people to do extraordinary ministry by the power of the Holy Spirit working in conjunction with the truth of God’s Word.
Are you ready to do biblical counseling and discipleship even though you do not know the Bible backwards and forwards yet?
Are you ready and willing to follow Him even if all of your needs are not met yet and even if you don’t have all of the answers because God does? You proclaim Christ and His Word not yourself!
Are you ready to step out in faith in Christ?
Do you trust Him to work through you to reach hurting souls for the glory of God?
-Mark (I am learning to trust Him more and more every day!)