I was complaining to a colleague about a project I was managing.
“I’m always expected to make bricks with no straw,” I said. “We don’t have enough financial support, staff or time. How am I supposed to get this done?”
She gently reminded me we serve a God of abundance who makes all things possible.
Her words were deeply convicting. I am a woman of faith, too. Yet somehow between parenting, working bivocationally, and trying to find toilet paper during a pandemic, I had developed a scarcity mindset.
Instead of looking expectantly to Jesus, I was staring at the five small loaves and two small fish, asking skeptically, “How far will they go?” (John 6:9).
Maybe you can relate. Over the past two years, a collective scarcity mindset has invaded the global consciousness.
In times of uncertainty, it’s a natural response. Our way of thinking changes when the resources we need seem elusive — whether because of supply chain issues, labor shortages, inflation, or some other problem beyond our control. Anxiety levels rise.
Of course, perceptions are not always reality. In 2020, I stared at empty store shelves wondering how we would cope when we ran out of toilet paper at home. It never happened, though. Somehow, we always had enough.
This example may seem trivial. But when a scarcity mindset creeps into leadership, it can be a real problem.
Scarcity Thinking
A scarcity mentality negatively affects leaders in at least four ways:
1. A scarcity mindset hinders productive thought. A Princeton University study found that excessive worrying about basic needs impairs cognitive abilities — reducing mental performance by the equivalent of 13 IQ points, or the loss of an entire night’s sleep.
In his book Scarcity: Why Having Too Little Means So Much, economist Sendhil Mullainathan explains that when people focus on what they lack, they develop tunnel vision. This fixation makes it difficult to concentrate on anything else, diminishing the ability to think creatively and problem solve.
No wonder Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” (Matthew 6:34).
Instead of obsessing over what we don’t have, we can trust God to meet our needs as we pursue the work to which He has called us. Matthew 6:33 puts it this way: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
2. A scarcity mindset contributes to feelings of greed and envy. When you believe there are not enough resources to go around, you begin thinking of others as competitors instead of individuals God has called you to love and serve.
Many people today use social media as a measuring rod to determine how they’re doing in the contest for first place. Invariably, whatever they have seems inadequate by comparison.
This kind of thinking is what caused Jacob to deceive his father. He wanted the greatest blessing and was determined to get it — even if it meant lying, cheating, and hurting his own family members.
James 3:16 says, “Where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
3. A scarcity mindset increases the risk of depression and anxiety. Perceived scarcity raises stress levels. Over time, this can lead to mental health problems, including depression and anxiety disorders.
Instead of obsessing over what we don’t have, we can trust God to meet our needs as we pursue the work to which He has called us.
Whether it’s finances, wisdom, or church volunteers we lack, we can take our concerns to God in prayer.
Paul said, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).
4. A scarcity mindset distorts the truth about God’s identity and character. The dangers aren’t just psychological; they are also spiritual. A scarcity mindset can cause us to see God differently.
Instead of viewing God as a loving Father who cares about His children, we may begin to think of Him as distant and uncaring. The result is often a loss of interest in prayer and other spiritual disciplines.
First Peter 5:7–8 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind.”
Abundance Thinking
The good news is we do not have to live with scarcity thinking. We can develop the kind of abundance mindset Scripture prescribes. Such an attitude allows us to move ahead with faith and confidence, believing there are more than enough resources in God’s economy for everyone to have what they need.
There are three steps to moving from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset.
The first step involves embracing God’s truth and rejecting false narratives. The enemy of our souls is still asking the question he posed in the Garden: “Did God really say … ?” (Genesis 3:1).
In times of stress, fear, and uncertainty, you may wonder, Is God who He said He is? Can I trust Him?
The answer is yes. As Paul wrote, “No matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20). God is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).
Recall all the times in your life when God has revealed His faithfulness.
We should thank God for what He has done — and trust Him for what He is doing and will do. His love and goodness never change, regardless of the circ*mstances we face.
Second, we need to accept who we are in Christ. When we believe God has a plan for us, we can trust Him with the details.
God will give us creative ideas and divine connections. He will establish our steps. He will provide for our needs.
Because God is taking care of us, we don’t have to fret or live in worry. We don’t have to take our destiny into our own hands or wonder about the ultimate outcome of our lives.
We have the peace and comfort of knowing we are never alone. God is with us even as we walk through the darkest valley (Psalm 23:4). The Holy Spirit comes alongside us and guides us into all truth (John 16:13).
Finally, we must love our neighbors. Romans 12:10 says, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
A scarcity or hoarding mindset makes it difficult to care for others as we should. But when we have an abundance mindset, we can love and give generously, trusting God — not the stock market, a position, or any human effort — as our Source.
Paul said, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12–13).
He went on to say confidently, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (verse 19).
While is it true that we are living in challenging times, we must always be on guard to protect our hearts from what James calls an “earthly, unspiritual” perspective and keep our mind focused on “the wisdom that comes from heaven” (3:15,17).
We should be models of healthy leadership, centered in our knowledge of God’s generous, loving nature.
It’s time to let go of scarcity thinking and go forward in God’s abundance.
This article appears in the Spring 2022 edition of Influence magazine.
