Page 53 - Biblical Counseling II

What are your thoughts on Maslow’s hierarchy? Does it make sense that if the bottom needs are met, we
are motivated to reach the next level of needs? What would Aron Ralston say about his motivation to live? If
we were in class, we would discuss whether it is possible to meet these needs out of order. Is it possible to
need a home but be motivated to have nurturing relationships? Can we be motivated to study and learn
without having shelter or food? Ghandi chose to hunger strike to protest violence. He was motivated to
make a political statement and bring about change more than he was motivated to eat. This goes against
Maslow’s hierarchy.

You’ll also notice there is little room for a belief in God in Maslow’s hierarchy. Years after he developed his
pyramid, he added self-transcendence to the top of the pyramid. This includes pursuing spiritual meaning but
does not specifically refer to God. Let’s read an article written by a Christian counselor and pastor named F.
Dean Hackett:

“One of the most powerful chapters in all literature describes the highest level of motivation.

That is not hyperbole. It is truly the most powerful chapter written. It records Jesus describing why He got up
every day.

“Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but
what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the
Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you
may marvel… I can do nothing of myself. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not
seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me” (John 5:19-20, 30 NKJV).

What got Jesus out of bed every day of His life was to do the will of the Father. He was totally motivated by
love for His Father and His desire to please Him. It was that love and desire to please the Father that filled His
being with love for the human race and His desire to heal, reconcile, and restore mankind to God’s original
design.

His entire life was motivated by authentic self-sacrificing love.

It is challenging to imagine such a life.

Yet, that is to be the distinguishing mark of every true follower of Jesus Christ. “By this all will know that you
are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35 NKJV).

Jesus gave an eleventh commandment, which was not really a new command but an extension of the
commandment given in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, known as “The Shema.” “Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the
Lord is One. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your
strength.”

When asked by a Pharisee, a lawyer, which is the greatest commandment, Jesus answered with “The
Shema,” then said, “This is the first and the great commandment. And the second is like it: “You shall love
your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew
22:37-40 NKJV).

Jesus’ new command to His disciples was simply an extension of these two commandments. “A new
commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another”
(John 13:34 NKJV).

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