What are your needs?
So often we talk about things we want out of life. We want to be successful, we want a new car, we’d love to have an ice cream sundae. (Seriously, I really want an ice cream sundae now.) But what truly is our needs?
Scientifically speaking, some would say we all need food, water, sleep and shelter. But most of us know, we need more than that.
There is a story in the Bible about a man named Abraham and another man named Abimelek. In this story that is often overlooked, Abraham and Abimelek make an agreement. Abimelek, a ruler, sees Abraham as a very spiritual person. One that walks closely with God. Abraham, is a foreigner living in Abimelek’s land. They strike a deal that allows Abraham to live on the land and allows for trust between the two parties.
Abimelek tells Abraham, “God is with you in everything you do. Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Show to me and the country where you now reside as a foreigner the same kindness I have shown to you.”
Abraham said, “I swear it.”
But Abraham had a need that needed to be discussed. Abraham complained to Abimelek about a well of water that Abimelek’s servants had seized. A well that Abraham had dug himself.
Abimelek, not knowing about the well, settled the matter with Abraham. Abraham was given back his well, and Abimelek was given some sheep and cattle as both a good will offering and a testimony that Abraham was truthful. Both men then returned to their homes and families.
The obvious need discussed here was the water. Abraham was allowed his shelter, but he needed the water for he and his family to survive.
By stating what he needed. Abraham assertively and respectfully communicated with Abimelek and achieved what he needed to accomplish. But he got more than the water.
It’s true that, in getting back his well, Abraham received a very basic need. Something his very survival required. But his survival, like ours, does require more than food, water and shelter.
In addition to the basics, humans need a bit more than food, water and shelter to survive.
Again, scientifically speaking, we humans need peace.
Even with food, water and shelter, humans fail to expand and grow without peaceful elements such as connection and even play.
Without loving connection, both physically and emotionally, we humans cannot release certain hormones essential to growth and thought. Simply put, our brains do not develop correctly with out physical and emotional connection. Without touch, we fail to grow. Without growth, we die.
Humans also need play. play and imagination help us create and grow in our awareness of self and others. Play, even whimsy, helps us grow in our self-worth. It gives us coping mechanisms to pick ourselves back up when we fall. Imaginative play and fun is essential for us to grow and expand our existence.
It could be safe to say, that the desire for peace from both Abraham and Abimelek, was to help both parties in their desires for happiness. A peaceful coexistence would help both parties and their families and give them more freedom. A person living under less worry, may be more apt to enjoy times of intimacy connections and play.
But even with food, water, sleep and shelter. Even with connections and play. The real thing that led Abraham and Abimelek toward peace, was something even bigger.
I would argue, that our faith in God is our greatest need of all.
It’s that faith that allows us to truly look into our own selves and to think even beyond ourselves. To see what is truly important. It’s perhaps our faith that has made us much more aware of the needs beyond food, water and shelter. With faith in God, it cannot be just about survival of the fittest.
It’s my faith in Christ and desire to be Christ-like that encourages me to be even more connected with others. My faith is also the foundation of my joy and encourages me to play and celebrate whimsy.
Christ said, let the children come to me. He encouraged us all to be more like the children. All children want to do is play and connect with others.
Perhaps if we are able to focus more on the needs we require individually, we can focus even more on the needs of others.
Knowing that my needs include emotional connection, happiness, play, touch… knowing this, and reassuring this, could affect the way I coexist with my neighbors.
The more we follow Christ, the more we meet our needs.
The more we follow Christ, the more we can meet the needs of others.
To hear more on this subject, click on our podcast link for the message called “Needs”