The Hierarchy of Needs: How God Fulfills Our Deepest Needs

• Social Studies
• 8th Grade

The Hierarchy of Needs: How God Fulfills Our Deepest Needs

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will understand Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and how God fulfills each of these needs based on Scripture.

Introduce the learning objective to the students and emphasize the importance of understanding how our faith can meet our deepest needs.

What do you already know about
Maslow's Hierarchy of
Needs and how it relates to our faith?

Introduction

Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a well-known theory in psychology that explains the different levels of needs that motivate human behavior. As Christians, we can also look to Scripture to understand how God meets each of these needs. Let's explore together!

Introduce Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and explain that we will be examining how God fulfills each of these needs.

Physiological Needs

These are basic needs that must be met for survival, such as food, water, and shelter. In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus tells us not to worry about these things because our Heavenly Father knows what we need and will provide for us.

Explain the first level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and provide a Scripture reference that shows how God meets this need.

Safety Needs

These needs include security, stability, and protection. In Psalm 91:1-2, we are reminded that God is our refuge and fortress, and that we can trust in Him for safety and security.

Explain the second level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and provide a Scripture reference that shows how God meets this need.

Love and Belonging Needs

These needs include social interaction, companionship, and love. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us. Through our relationships with other believers, we can experience a sense of belonging and love.

Explain the third level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and provide a Scripture reference that shows how God meets this need.

Esteem Needs

These needs include self-esteem, respect from others, and achievement. In Ephesians 2:10, we are reminded that we are God's masterpiece, created for good works. Our worth comes from our identity in Christ, not from our achievements or the opinions of others.

Explain the fourth level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and provide a Scripture reference that shows how God meets this need.

Self-Actualization Needs

These needs include personal growth, self-fulfillment, and reaching one's full potential. In Philippians 1:6, we are assured that God will bring to completion the good work He began in us. Through our relationship with Him, we can grow and become all that He has created us to be.

Explain the fifth and final level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and provide a Scripture reference that shows how God meets this need.

Conclusion

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs helps us understand the different levels of needs that motivate human behavior. As Christians, we can look to Scripture to see how God meets each of these needs and provides for us in ways that nothing else can. Let us trust in Him to fulfill our deepest needs.

Summarize the lesson and remind students of the importance of relying on God to fulfill our needs.

Discussion Question

How can understanding Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs help us in our faith journey?

Encourage students to share their thoughts and insights on how Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs can inform their understanding of their faith.

Group Activity

Divide into small groups and discuss a time when you felt one of the needs from Maslow's Hierarchy was met by God. Share your experiences with the larger group.

Allow students to share personal stories and experiences related to the lesson content. Encourage active listening and respectful dialogue.

Journal Reflection

Reflect on a time when you felt fulfilled in one of the needs from Maslow's Hierarchy by something other than God. What did this experience teach you about the limitations of human efforts to meet our needs?

Encourage students to reflect on their own experiences and consider how they can rely more fully on God to meet their needs.

Scripture Memory

Memorize Philippians 4:19 - 'And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.'

Encourage students to commit this Scripture to memory and remind them of the importance of relying on God to meet their needs.

Prayer

Close in prayer, thanking God for meeting our needs and asking Him to continue to provide for us in ways that only He can.

Lead the class in a time of prayer, encouraging them to express their gratitude to God and to ask for His continued provision in their lives.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.