Generosity: An Abundance Mindset
First, we want to hear from you!
Which mindset do you have?
An Abundance Mindset
A Scarcity Mindset
I don't know.
My mindset changes depending on the circumstances.
Read the scriptures below.
Based on these scriptures, how much of your time, resources, and energy is the Lord's? 100%!! 100% of everything we have is His. We are only stewards. A steward is defined as a manager of someone’s property or finances. The word “steward” derives from the Old English
term “stiweard”, meaning “house (stig) ward (weard). In many Christian denominations, the term “stewardship” has acquired a sense of “obligation for the responsible use of time, money, and talents in the service of God and of one’s neighbor.”
As Christians, we are to be generous with our time, resources, and energy. Our Heavenly Father has given us this instruction. Still, God gives us the choice to obey or disobey this. It's like buying your child a bag of chips. When your child opens it, you ASK for ONE CHIP. Your child has a choice. He/she can gladly offer you a few chips. You may be more likely to buy a bigger bag next time. He may willingly give you one chip, which makes you comfortable buying the same bag of chips next time. He may reluctantly give you a chip, which makes you hesitant in blessing them with another bag of chips next time. Or, he may tell you, "No, these are my chips!" Or, " But it's just a small bag. I
don't have enough to give you." This discourages you from buying him a bag of chips or any other snack next time. You chose to give your child YOUR bag of chips YOU BOUGHT. Notice that you (as the parent) did not ask for the entire bag of chips, or even half of the amount of chips in the bag. Just One Chip. Let’s change it up a bit. Take the same child with the same bag of chips. Only this time, you tell your child to share with his/her siblings. The same thing applies. If your child joyfully shares a few chips, you may be more likely to buy a bigger bag next time. If the child does this on a consistent basis, you may even give him/her additional special treats or gifts. This child has an abundance mindset, meaning, he/she is appreciatively generous to others. The child knows that what he/she has been given is a gift, not from his or her own might, and he/she trusts that the supplier (the parent) is loving and faithful to replenish it if he/she follows the parent’s instructions. Soon, the child’s obedience and generosity overflows in his/her siblings and peers, causing a chain reaction of decency. The opposite side of the spectrum is the child that is unwilling to share anything with anyone. The chips, treats, and special gifts may be fewer and further between because of his/her scarcity mindset. Well, God is our Heavenly Father. And again, all that we have is His. He has given us life and the opportunity and capability to attain all (good things) that we have. Our Heavenly Father’s instruction is to share what He gave us, which includes our time, resources, gifts, and energy. Just as the analogy with the child, if we follow God’s instruction and generously give to others, God is faithful to abundantly replenish us so that we can overflow and positively influence others.
PRAYER
My Heavenly Father,
You are the all-powerful, sovereign God. There is no one like you, and your generosity is matchless. It is only through You that I live, move, and have my being. Every good and perfect gift comes from you. Thank You for allowing me to be a steward. Help me to manage what you have given me. I speak against anything that may be hindering me from operating in complete abundance. You said in your word that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but you have come to give us an abundant life. Lord, you are the God of abundance. You are my source. I pray that you bless me for Your Name sake so that I may be a blessing to others and represent in a way that brings you glory. I thank You and praise Your Holy Name. It is in Jesus’s Name I pray.
AMEN.
CALL-TO-ACTION
Think back on the example given, the child with the bag of chips. Ask yourself the following questions:
Which type of mindset am I operating from?
Am I operating with an abundance mindset or a scarcity mindset?
Do I really believe that my possessions are for me?
Am I just renting it?
Will I be able to take anything with me when I die?
Now, evaluate your answers to the above questions. Write each question along with your answers. Observe whether your answers resemble a scarcity mindset or an abundant mindset. Throughout this week, be mindful of how you live your life. Are you generous with what you have? Are you operating from a scarcity mindset or an abundant mindset? Make a conscious effort to live a life of abundance, gratitude, and purpose.
Later / In a Few Days
2. Read this Generosity devotional again and review the questions in the call-to-action activity. Then, notate things you can do to help others by offering your time, energy, and/or resources. What can you do? What can you offer? Think about that and jot it down. If you are having difficulties with this, pray to ask God to help you trust Him more as your Source and Heavenly Father. Then, ask Him to show you how you can serve others. Don’t worry. We all have things we need to work out as well as things only God can mend. Transforming your mindset is a process. So it may take time. Read the scripture and passage at least once each day.
Later / In a Week or So
3. Read this Generosity devotional again, if needed, and review the questions in the call-to-action activity and your notes from this week. Continue praying about this. Put your notes, and the revelation that God gave you into practice.
If you have not accepted God as Your Lord and Savior, because you need more information about salvation to make your decision, please take the FREE mini course THE INVITATION. Just click the "I Need More Info" button below. It will give you a detailed explanation on why salvation is necessary, how to become saved, and the next step after you accept The Invitation.
If you haven’t accepted GOD’S INVITATION OF SALVATION and want to do so now, earnestly pray this prayer:
God,
I know You love me. I believe You died and rose from the dead for my sins. Please forgive me for my sins. I give you my heart and soul. Please be my Savior and Lord. Transform me. I desire to align with Your Will. Thank you for Your faithfulness and Your Love.
It is in Jesus’s name I pray.
Amen.
All of heaven rejoices when one person accepts THE INVITATION to salvation.
~ Luke 15:10
CONGRATULATIONS!
If you earnestly prayed this prayer, you are now saved! Again, for more information about why we need to be saved, what God’s Salvation means, and the next step after you are saved, take The Invitation course for FREE. This course will Always be FREE for Everyone because The Invitation of Salvation has already been paid! Again, if you are having doubts, take this FREE course as many times as you need and share it with others!
Also, consider enrolling in the Discovering God self-paced course to learn more about who God is. This comprehensive course offers a deep dive into the nature of God and why we all need Him in our lives.
With DIY programs, life coaching sessions, and downloadable content, we provide everything you need to support your transformative journey. We also offer group Bible studies and discussions on a variety of topics. Our teleconferences and virtual sessions provide a safe and enriching space to explore your faith with friends and loved ones while learning practical lessons to enrich your life. Book your session today! Take advantage of the introductory discounts and enroll today.
Thank you for reading. I pray that this has been a blessing to you. Remember, you do not have to do life alone. Let’s walk this journey of wholeness, gratitude, and purpose together!
- Shalan