Needs

In my graduate studies, I recently had to read an article entitled, "Who Are We? Needs, Longings, and the Image of God in Man" by Edward T. Welch. I was greatly impacted by the clarity of his admonitions about the dangers of contemporary psychology and its damaging effects upon the modern Church. Christians everywhere, even in good theologically sound churches are embracing an understanding of "Christian counseling" that is skewed and unbiblical. Oftentimes, the congregation has no idea that these things are a distortion of true biblical counseling, usually because the pastor himself does not have an accurate understanding of it. We leave that to the "experts" and simply read the latest big hit that is covering the racks of the local Christian bookstore. If you take a good long look at those books, they will typically have much reference to "self" and "felt needs". Here is what Welch says:

"Doesn't the gospel, in a very real sense, obliterate our preoccupation with ourselves, equipping us to be preoccupied with loving God and others? Is it possible that looking for self-worth or significance is a fundamentally misguided goal? Should we be asking other questions such as, 'Why am I so interested in me?'".

And further..."The natural resting point of need theories is my need, not the perfections of God, whose image I was created to reflect. The difference may seem subtle, but need theories rest on the individual person rather than God".

And finally..."The essence of the image of God in man is that we rejoice in God's presence, love Him above all else, and live for God's glory, not our own. As we learn by grace to love God and love our neighbor, we express the glory-image of God. The center of gravity in the universe is God and His glory-holiness - not our longings. And the most basic question of human existence becomes 'How can I bring glory to God?,' not 'How will I meet my longings?' These differences yield very different tugs on our hearts: one constantly pulls us outward to God as servants of His will; the other pulls God inward as servant of our longings".

So, which is your picture of God? One of Master and Ruler, Redeeming Savior who you find it a delight to carry out His perfect will - or one who is there to meet your needs and fill you up when you are lonely or depressed?