The notable psychologist, Maslow, popularized his theory of human motivations, or hierarchy of needs. He ranked human needs from basic physiological, safety and love needs to those of self-esteem and self-actualization. His critics raised the issue that his theory ignores the differences in social and cultural influences, and that it promotes a more self-centered perspective on life, drawing one to ignore the bigger pictures of life and focus on the mere vanity of self-improvement. More than that, it ignores the real spiritual needs God implanted in His creation.
RELEVANCE
Paul reconciled God’s truths and discerned that God truly has endowed His creation with various measures of spiritual gifts, and likewise, has called His children to greater purposes in life.
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you” (Philippians 3:12-16).
As we press on to maturity in the LORD, He works in us His process of transformation. The more He cultivates His nature in us, the more we realize His greater purposes and calling in life. Our challenge is discerning where we might be growing according to worldly standards and accordingto the philosophies of man vs. calling of God. This is not always clear due to syncretistic characteristics of many religious and spiritual teachings.
What is syncretism? It is the tendency to combine biblical principles with philosophical reasoning and/or cultural patterns. Hence, the reason for Paul’s warning: “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8).
REFLECT AND RELATE
In discerning truth, what standards and patterns do you consider?
What resources do you use?
REFERENCES
Romans 8:29; 12:2; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Hebrews 6:12