As we embark on this new year 2021 as children of God, Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will”. An important question to ask is, what does mindset have to do with our finance?
Extreme Mindsets
I submit that mindset is one of the first hurdle that an individual must jump over on their financial journey as it can decide whether you make strides forward or remain completely stagnated. There are generally two extreme mindsets – scarcity mindset and abundance mindset.
Scarcity Mindset
Individuals with a poverty or scarcity mindset are usually in a perpetual belief that life is unfair, everything is going against them, and that nothing they do will change their outcome. Additionally, they believe that there will never be enough out there for everybody. That leads to a feeling of stress, anxiety and fear.
No Boundaries or Limits
On the converse, individuals with abundance mindset believe that everyone can get a piece of the pie. They see no boundaries or limits. They can push through tough circumstances as they believe that there is enough for everybody.
This is limitless thinking.
The difference in outlook shows that individuals with scarcity mindset may find themselves in situations where they never have enough whilst persons with abundance mindset always seem to find opportunities flowing their way.
As Kingdom citizens, we must identify where on the scale we fall. After all, Philippians 4:19 clearly states “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus”. If you are that individual with a scarcity mindset, seek help from people who are sufficiently qualified to help with aligning your finances. You may commit and say today “I draw a line in the sand, starting this 2021 year. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I will break the negative mindset that has been holding me back.
Mr. Darren Brown, an active born-again Christian has served (and in some capacities, continue to serve) the Church of the Nazarene as a treasurer, a trustee, a youth camp board chairman, men’s ministries president and a musician. He holds a B.A. in Accounting and International Business as well as an MBA (Finance Concentration). Mr. Brown has held the posts of Financial Accounting Superintendent, Business Advisor, Accountant, Auditor, Supervisory Member and Chairman of a cooperative credit union. He and his wife are blessed with two precious daughters.