For this month, I want to reflect on the abundance vs. scarcity mindset and God’s plan for you to break three common strongholds that keep people from living life to the full. The first one has to do with the mindset of not enough money. Lack of money is a common scarcity mindset, and one that I do not disregard, however, most often the mindset of scarcity of finances is a mindset that limits our potential, thus becoming a stronghold.
How often have you said or heard someone say, if only I had the money…
While we are to be wise with our resources, we can limit the work of God in our lives if we view finances through a scarcity mindset. The most powerful way to shift to an abundance mindset is through giving. The Old Testament of the Bible shows God’s desire for us to give 10% of our income to His work. (The New Testament asks even more – if you have 2 coats, give 1 OR sell everything you own and give to the poor- but we will focus on the 10% for now.)
I am not a prosperity gospel believer (for many reasons) because sometimes we do not see the blessings in the way we expect. I do believe abundance comes from a generous heart. The Bible consistently warns us not to test the LORD, but in Malachi 3: 10, we are told to test God by giving 10%.
“’Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the LORD Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.’”
What if the blessing that we will not have room for is the abundance mindset?
What if this blessing is the freedom to break the stronghold of scarcity?
What if this blessing is to move forward in faith and hope into our Kingdom purpose?
Giving 10% of our income breaks the stronghold of not enough and opens the door to living life to the full. I have known people who have gotten creative with making this happen – finding additional work, saving in new ways, stopping an expensive habit. Ultimately, if you are struggling with the stronghold of scarcity of money, you probably know what needs to happen to unlock the storehouse of abundance.
Generosity is easy in December. We have our attention turned toward gifts and love and joy. Perhaps this is the month to start small. Choose a charity or church mission to donate to. Collect toys, clothes or food to donate to a local effort in your community. Start now, when it seems to come naturally, and make a plan to carry it into the next year.
How can you move toward giving 10% of your income? What is your next step toward the mindset of abundance?
KATHY PIERBURG 