Maslow

Not to diss Maslow to heavily because I think he is right that it is hard to teach an empty belly but the world's formation leads us to press into our worldly needs first in the belief that only after those are met can we develop fully as a person.  The counter-formation needed here is that self-actualization (by which I will define as becoming a mature Christian) is the first priority.  So turn Maslow's pyramid on its head and I think you have it just about right -"seek ye first...."  By putting ourselves (allowing ourselves to be put) in Christ's story and not our story, we discover that our lower needs get their proper inattention.  Also, in this upside down kingdom of Christ, having the foundation of Christ's story and our being a part of it (level 1) completes our self-esteem needs (level 2) and then provides us with belonging (level 3) and the needs of safety (level 4) and biological needs (level 5) don't consume our attention.  Freedom.