The most basic of human needs

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

Every human being has three basic needs. One is the need for security—each of us needs to know that we are safe. The need for security drives us to gather in communities where people look out for each other. It gives some the desire to control others as a way of making sure that their own needs will be met. The craving for security can even lead to violence if there is a shortage of food, resources, or other things necessary for a long and healthy life.

Another basic human need is for pleasure. Psychologically, we need the release of having a good time—otherwise, stress will build until it endangers your health. Unfortunately, some pleasures do more harm than good—sex outside of marriage can destroy relationships and result in venereal disease, alcohol and drugs can ruin your health, and excessive gambling can leave you impoverished.

The third basic need everyone has is for meaning. We all need to know that we are valuable, appreciated, loved. We need to know that our lives are worth something in the greater scheme of things. Regrettably, this need for meaning has led many people to embrace religions and philosophies that offer nothing but empty promises.

Christianity fulfills all three of our basic human needs. Jesus says, do not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' For the unbelievers chase after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:31-33). In Christ, we have the security of being looked after by God himself! Fellowship with God also results in both pleasure and joy; Paul says that when God’s Spirit dwells in us, we gain love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22). In addition, we have the promise of eternal pleasures when we finally enter heaven. Most importantly, Jesus assures us that we are valuable, that our lives have purpose. In Isaiah chapter 43 God says: I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…you are precious and honored in my sight. And Ephesians chapter 2 states, we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.

Security, pleasure, self-worth—all these needs are met when you belong to Jesus.