From Matthew To Maslow

[dave c]

HEALING SHELTER MINISTRIES #132aa, Re-Written 21NOV09

The Disciples’ Prayer—Part Twenty Seven: From Matthew To Maslow

by rev dave c

Mt 6:9 "This, then, is how you should pray: "`Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one' (NIV).

In the early 1970’s I was introduced to the basic teachings of the American educational psychologist, Abraham Maslow (April 1, 1908 – June 8, 1970). Maslow was unique in his approach to research in that he did not target society’s abnormal members as the subject of his studies as did most psychologists/psychiatrists beginning with Freud and continuing to the present. To the contrary, Maslow chose those college students whom he felt were the best and the brightest of our culture. He is most commonly remembered for the model of his life’s work known as “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs”. As a freshman of almost 40 years ago, I was taught that this hierarchy consisted of Food-Shelter-Reproduction as the most basic of needs. As these immediate requirements are met, an individual then becomes involved in the higher aspects of existence as expressed through Self Realization and then Self Actualization. Ascension in this hierarchy is dependent upon the continued satisfaction of each and every lower need. This means that even if I have achieved a level of Self Actualization, should I lose my job and subsequently my house, then everything above the level of Shelter is put on hold until that need is once again met.

Decades later I learned that Abraham Maslow tinkered with his hierarchy until his death as he continued to observe people and to contemplate the motivators and aspirations of humanity at large and as represented by his own head and heart. As per a summary titled “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs” (http://chiron.valdosta.edu/whuitt/col/r ... aslow.html), the current model of his theory is that of a triangle laterally divided into three categories of progressive needs. At the base are Physiological—Safety—Belongingness & Love—Esteem needs. Secondly, the middle is comprised of Need to Know & Understand—Aesthetic Needs. Finally, capping this pyramid are Self Actualization—Transcendence.

A few years ago, while thinking about the correlation between the physical needs for survival and what is required for spiritual health, it occurred to me that there is a distinct similarity between “the Disciples’ Prayer” of Matthew Chapter 6 (commonly referred to as “the Lord’s Prayer”) and Maslow’s Hierarchy. That is to say, what Maslow discovered through observation of the human condition that is accurate obviously reflects what we know to be Biblical truth regarding how God designed us. Romans 1:19&20 tells us, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse (NASV).

The most fundamental difference between the hierarchy (if I may call it that) presented by the Disciples’ Prayer and Maslow lay in the initial type of needs required for survival. Understandably, the psychologist began with what is most obvious. From the time of birth onward, we demand air, drink, food, company and comfort. As we mature we begin to grow not just physically, but also mentally, and hopefully spiritually—and not just selfishly, but also in our consideration of others. As a result, Maslow placed the most basic needs for continued organic existence at the base of his model. In contrast, Jesus begins the model prayer with recognition of, and homage to, God the Father Who resides in the spiritual realm and Who is holy (Mt 6:9&10). Christ tells us that all life begins with God as our Almighty Creator, our Faithful Sustainer, our Righteous Judge, and our Divine Sovereign. Our recognition and humble acceptance of those facts are primary and requisite to all else. Effectively, the Lord begins with “Self Realization” within context of who we are in the face of God’s great statement of “I am who I am...” (Ex 3:14), and then His prayer turns toward our daily biological needs as represented in these passages by the phrase “our daily bread” (Mt 6:11).

Matthew 6:31 "Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' 32 "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (NASV). Maslow begins his hierarchy with what he views as the essential physical/material requirements initiated by biological birth and then moves into the cognitive/aesthetic needs of enlightened maturity. In the Disciples’ Prayer Jesus begins with the cognitive/spiritual essentials of the Christian rebirth (Jn 3:3-7, Ti 3:5, & 1Pe 1:23)—and then moves into our physical/material needs. “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness [“Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”], and all these things will be added to you”[“Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”]. Amen.