There is a growing amount of research to support the idea that our mindset and emotional state greatly impacts our reality. In other words, it’s exactly what we read in Proverbs 23:7, “As a man thinks, so he is.” One example of this is a scarcity mindset vs abundance. If we aren’t careful, the media and outside influences make it easy to fall prey to thoughts of fear and scarcity. When this happens, we start to focus on our own immediate needs, trying to make sure there is enough for us and our family with no regard for others.
Today, I wanted to look at just three things related to this idea!
#1:
When I was starting out in ministry, I was a part of building a brand new congregation. We started as a small group, worshipping in a temporary space until we could raise enough funds to build a new building. The friendships created in those early days were so special! We were a small group of committed followers who grew close to one another and were familiar with all the details of one another’s lives. After moving into our new building, the church began to grow quickly. One by one, the people who helped start the church came to me asking, “Bob, when can we stop growing? We can’t keep up with all of the new people and it’s just so different!” I understood where they were coming from. It was definitely a change from the early days and yet, I encouraged them to remember that it is our job as Christians to continue to share the message of Christ and always invite others in to experience His love. I went on to tell them, “We can stop growing once everyone has a church home!” No matter where they attend church, our goal should be to help everyone find a church home, a place to belong! God’s love is bigger than we can ever comprehend and there will always be enough to go around.
#2:
When we look at scarcity vs abundance in terms of mindset, what it actually points to is gratitude! When we are living out of a spirit of gratitude, we feel abundant! There is enough to go around. Gratitude really is the best medicine for so many things that get us down! It’s free, easy to do and you can do it anywhere at anytime. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and focusing on all that is missing from your life, grab a pen and paper and write down 5-10 things you are grateful for. This simple act immediately shifts our mind from focusing on scarcity, to focusing on the blessings in our lives and even improves our mood!
#3:
If you have ever spent time with young children, you know that sharing is a big issue! I have often watched parents encourage their children to share toys with their friends. This concept is so hard for little ones! But, you know what, it’s also hard for us adults! How often do we not want to share something that we have? Sharing isn’t always easy and it takes a little faith and trust to believe that even though you share and give to others, God will provide for you. Sharing doesn’t have to be giving away large sums of money, it can be as simple as showing kindness, inviting someone to church, taking cookies to a new neighbor, smiling at someone or taking time to call a friend to cheer them up!
