The Abundance Mentality

Years ago, I remember being locked in an intense battle for playing time on my high school basketball team. I had grown a ton over the summer and was finally tall enough and big enough to make an impact on the court and compete for a starting position. As the sixth man, I was determined to make the most of the minutes I got off the bench to help the team win. But truthfully, I was also trying to become a starter.

As a competitor, sometimes it can be really hard to be excited for a teammate when they have success, especially if they have the spot we want. It’s almost like a spirit of jealousy rises up within us and makes us envious. And while this can be a positive motivator to make us work extra hard and spend more time in preparation, it can also be unhealthy and undermine the team unity.

The promise and purpose of Jesus is to invite us into a relationship with Him so that we can enjoy a “rich and satisfying life.” He promises us abundance in the areas of life that matter most. The abundant life is a life of joy and peace, a life of fulfilling work and close relationships, and an attitude of gratitude. It’s a life filled with wisdom and positively influencing others to find and follow Jesus. And one thing I know for sure – God is a generous Father who delights in blessing His children. Sometimes He gives us what we want, but He always gives us what we need.

The Abundance Mentality is a belief that God has more than enough for everyone to enjoy; that when one person has success it never decreases our ability to have success too. It gets rid of the idea that the “size of the pie” or opportunity is fixed. God’s pie is unlimited. You’ve probably heard the phrase “success breeds success,” and I have experienced the power of that truth. In fact, when one person enjoys abundance, that encourages others to live a satisfying life too.

The Scarcity Mentality on the other hand sees limited resources. So, when someone else has success, that means there is less opportunity for you to have success. That is a lie from the thief. He is trying to make you think small and steal your joy. This is what results in unhealthy competition, envy and coveting what someone else has.

The Abundance Mindset is critical for a fulfilling life. Don’t let the thief steal your rich and satisfying life.