Understanding the critical spiritual needs of others

Chris Bolinger March 16, 2023

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

Adobe Stock

After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you want to go away as well?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life . . ."
—John 6:66-68

I was destined for a career in marketing.

It started when I was a teenager. When I saw an ad in a magazine or on TV, I didn't just view it. I analyzed it. Who are they trying to reach? How? Why did they choose that image? That jingle? That tagline?

My first job after college was as a software engineer, but I really didn't enjoy it, so I went back to school at night to get my MBA. When a marketing position came open at my software company, I took it. I spent the rest of my tech career in marketing.

My favorite position was that of a product manager. To succeed in that role, I needed to become an expert on prospective customers and develop a deep understanding of their needs. If my organization didn't have a solution that addressed critical needs, then I would write a business case for building such a solution; if we had a solution already, I would determine how to make prospective customers see it as the right choice for them.

When I consider sharing my faith, I sometimes approach the matter with a product manager's mindset. That may sound weird or even inappropriate. After all, whatever needs someone has, Jesus is always the best solution, right?

Of course. But many people don't see it that way.

Chapter 6 of the Gospel of John starts with Jesus feeding 5,000 men (and others) with five loaves and two small fish. Recognizing the miracle that has occurred, the people move to make Jesus their king, so he withdraws. The next day, they can't find him, so they get in boats and go looking for him. They find him on the other side of the Sea of Galilee and demand to know why he left them.

Jesus tells them that they are following him because he filled their bellies, but they should be following them to satisfy their spiritual hunger. Calling himself the bread of life, Jesus then tells the people that they need to eat his flesh and drink his blood.

No one asks Jesus for an explanation of his troubling words. Instead, they conclude that he's not who they thought he was. The people who had traveled a great distance return to their homes. So do many of the men who have been following Jesus for a long time. Turning to his closest followers, Jesus asks, "Do you want to go away as well?"

Peter is confused and repelled by the idea of eating Jesus's flesh and drinking his blood. But he knows one thing for certain: no one but Jesus can address the real issues in Peter's—or anyone else's—life. Jesus is the best, and only, solution. So Peter speaks for the group and says that they are staying with Jesus.

How do you help the people in your life—your friends, your family members, your coworkers—come to the realization that Peter had? I suggest putting on your product manager "hat" and striving to understand their critical needs.

Those needs may be hidden under years of pain and disappointment. It may take a lot of conversations and prayers to unearth the needs that only Jesus can address.

It's worth the effort.

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

Chris Bolinger is the author of three men’s devotionals – 52 Weeks of Strength for Men, Daily Strength for Men, and Fuerzas para Cada Día para el Hombre – and the co-host of the Throwing Mountains podcast. He splits his time between northeast Ohio and southwest Florida. Against the advice of medical professionals, he remains a die-hard fan of Cleveland pro sports teams. Find him at mensdevotionals.com. Learn More »

• Three ways to create a sense of urgency when you communicate (by Carey Nieuwhof)
• Walking in swing (by Christopher Beth)
• Want an “A” team? Start with your “B” players (by Christian Muntean)
• Why people don't respond when you talk to them (by Carey Nieuwhof)

Free eBook

Success Unlocked: The Transformative Power of Questions

This isn’t just another leadership book—it’s your invitation to discover how Christ-centered questions can transform the way you lead and live. Packed with real stories and timeless wisdom, it shows you how to grow your influence, deepen your faith, and lead with the same life-changing impact Jesus did.

Download Now