In 1943, American psychologist Abraham Maslow published his theory of the hierarchy of needs. You’ve probably seen it in school represented as a pyramid. At the top is self-actualization, like achieving goals, being creative or finding purpose. Below it are self-esteem, belonging, love and safety. At the bottom is physiological needs, such as food, water and shelter.
The theory goes like this: The needs at the bottom of the pyramid must be fulfilled first in order to fulfill the needs at the top. What we would like to propose is that your spirituality is included in the basics of your hierarchy of needs.
Making spirituality a priority
For many Christians in America, spirituality is something that thrives on Sunday mornings, and maybe Wednesday evenings if you’re extra dedicated. You go to church, absorb the message and enjoy the worship music. Then you go right back to your normal life and don’t give God much thought until the next service.
While we don’t believe God condemns someone for not being active in their faith, we do believe that He wants more out of us for our own sake.
God wants to have a relationship with you to help you grow as a person to become more patient, humble, compassionate, loving and joyful. All of this is possible as we spend more time contemplating God, growing closer to Him and living in the example of Jesus.
When we treat God as a one- or two-hour-per-week commodity, not only do we dishonor the Creator of all things, we disservice ourselves by denying ourselves a deep connection with this very same Creator.
Make your spirituality a priority like getting food or water. Spend more time praying, seeking God’s wisdom in Scripture and turning your thoughts toward Him. It can change your life for the better, leading you to have a more positive impact on others as well.
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