Here is how we are going to work this colourful triangle:
Take a look at the pyramid and see where you currently fit in to the schema of life as outlined by Maslow. Allow me to provide a handy legend for what each label represents:
The Base: In red, we have the label Physiological; these are the basics in life; food, water, warmth and rest. We all need these and when we are occupied with them, in other words, when we are in survival mode, we can be fearful of not having our basic needs met. A baby cries when they are hungry, thirsty, cold and or tired. Is this you, my friend? Are you afraid you will starve, dry up from thirst, freeze to death without enough rest?
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them”
(Matthew 6:31-32).
Second from the bottom: In orange, we have the label Security and Safety; a sense of being free from danger is essential in life. We don’t always feel this type of security and if you are living in a constant state of cautious orange with no real threat to your well being in sight, your fear of attack is predominating. Can it be that you are actually safe? Is this an idea worth considering and living into dear one?
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
The middle: In yellow (which is super hard to read so I have picked the colour pink to represent), we have the label Love/Belonging. Now that you are safe, fed, watered and clothed, you get to enjoy some of the good things in life, or better yet, the good people in life. You are free from creature comfort concerns and relationship is something to pursue. You are included and accepted. You have kinship with others.
“So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another” (Romans 12:5).
Almost there: Second from the top, in green, we have Esteem. You have gotten somewhere when you have climbed the pyramid to this point dear one. You have a sense that you have accomplished some goals and yes indeed, you have! You fed, watered and clothed yourself while staying warm and look at that, safe too. You have relationships and attachments to friends and family and you even belong to some extra curricular after work groups. Life is looking good and you have the added bonus of a little prestige: you are now an expert in your field!
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).
The Pinnacle: When you are in the blue, you have climbed your way to the top, eating and drinking and working and socializing all under the safety of home, office, golf course, theatre, car, mall. You are now, Self-Actualized! You are a finely tuned machine. You have your career, close friends, food, drink and a sense of accomplishment. This calls for secular celebration because you have actualized your potential and it is not just the good things in life you get to enjoy, it is the refined things…
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not human masters” (Colossians 3:23).
How are you doing
How are you doing dear reader? Are your days occupied with the basest of needs? Are you somewhere in the middle of life, looking for acceptance and eventual acclaim from humans, measuring yourself against worldly standards? Have you arrived at the top, with actualized potential evident for all to see? Now what?
Maslow or God
The people of the world have one plan, but God Almighty, he has an entirely different schedule, schema and solution to you and your everyday life.
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).
LGB
