Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 22
March 25, 1971
NUMBER 45, PAGE 7,8b

Four Basic Needs Of Man - God Supplies!!

William C. Sexton

Sociologists and psychologists have discovered that man has basic needs other than biological. Four of those needs by each and every person are: (1) Security; (2) Affection; (3) Recognition; (4) And New Experiences. When either of these are missing, the person fails to develop into the mature person which is desirable; when they are lacking with the mature person, he fails to progress as is desired. These are universal needs.

I suggest that the Bible accounts for these needs as well as provides that each person may have them. Furthermore, I affirm that we would do well to avail ourselves of these and seek to see that they are available to all others. For without them we cannot reap a full life; nor without making our contribution so others may have them, we fail to serve in a capacity to which we are called by our Maker. If we would achieve what we are capable of and that for which we were created, we must take heed to truth and respond affirmatively and energetically.

Each person has many roles to play. In each of these roles he either adds to his well being and that of others, or else he contributes to his discomfort as well as to the discomfort of others. Therefore, it becomes both a privilege and a duty for man to be aware of his potential and to make his contribution; for it is for his good as well as for the good of many others, too. In light of these statements, which I believe to be facts, I suggest the following areas in which we can serve:

(1) Parents. In the family each parent needs to be aware of the four-fold need of each person in the family relationship. Being aware, of course, is prerequisite to performing; however, it is not sufficient to produce, effort is essential to achievement.

Many children have rei. tied physical maturity without developing mentally and emotionally, because they were deprived of affection and the other basic needs we've mentioned above. Although the parents may have in fact cared very much, they were unable to communicate their feeling of affection to the child, and that child developed as though he were not loved.

A person who was deprived of affection in his childhood has a personality that reveals his need: he tries to manifest that he doesn't really need love, when in fact his needs are so bad. He can never stand to see anyone show a lack of love toward him. Many a delinquent, I suggest, is produced this way — without love and affection. Am I justifying the delinquent? No! Nevertheless, I am saying that with some parental understanding and effort, many of today's "miss-fits" might very well be contributing citizens. The Bible points parents to discipline the child correctly and provide him the "nurture" and the "admonition" of the Lord, (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21). Without the proper discipline, there is evidence of lack of affection, so declared the wise man, (Prov. 13:24).

As parents may we take this bit of information into our storehouse of knowledge so that when it comes time to direct the child we helped to produce, we can do so with the help of God. Additionally, may we point our offspring to the spiritual security that is in Christ, II Tim. 2:10. Point him to the evidence that not only we care, but that the God of heaven cares so much for him that He gave His Son, (Jn. 3:16). May we illustrate to him that we recognize him and the heavenly Father does also, by speaking to him of things eternal. Call upon him to engage in new experiences by worshiping the God of heaven, (Mt. 4:10). Call upon him to work in the Lord's house, (I Cor. 15:58). These are needs which the heavenly Father has made available for us.

(2) Brethren. In the family of God, there is to be a bond of love, (in. 13:34-35). Often because there is little or no evidence of love; no communication of this love for members of the Lord's family, some turn aside; they go back and serve the adversary of man, the devil. In the body of Christ this four-fold need exists just as in the world. Each needs recognition, affection, security, and a chance for new experiences. When we fail, as God's children, to please God and we assist each other to yield to the devil, the evil one. Each member of the congregation needs to feel appreciated and be permitted to serve so as to feel secure in Christ and to grow and develop spiritually.

May we then, show our warmth and concern for each person in the body of Christ; exhort them concerning their worth and service in the Lord's church (Jn. 3:16; Heb. 3:13). We must be willing to lay down our lives in their stead, (I Jn. 3:16). If we don't do our part here, we miss a great opportunity to assist each other and be contributors to our own well being. If we aren't saved, there is only one alternative. Do we see the need?

(3) Community. Every person in our community needs these four basic commodities, too. May we assist in providing the physical security and then move into the area of spiritual security! Help each person to see that we care; show affection. Give them recognition by talking to them about their prize possession, the soul. Speaking in love, as God directs, (Eph. 4:15.16) we can help to provide these basic needs. We can show them that God, too, loves them, (Rom. 5:8-10). We can point them to the security that is in Christ, (Jn. 5:24; 15:1-6; Rev. 14:13). There is a security that can not be found any other place. We can offer them an opportunity to engage in new experiences — to attend the services in the congregation and hear God's word presented; we can ask them to become a new creature in Christ, (II Cor. 5:17; Gal. 3:27). We can show them how to worship the New Testament way.

Have we been aware of these basic needs of man? Have we been availing ourselves of them? Have we been assisting others to avail themselves of them? If we have, then good. If we haven't may we start now!

— 2804 Lafayette, St. Joseph, Missouri