HOW DO I FIX A SCARCITY MINDSET WHEN IT COMES TO MONEY?

One of my #90daychallenge goals that I didn't achieve during that 90 day period was to remove the blocks which have been preventing me from bringing in more income. The indicator that I had successfully removed them was that I would be able to double my current income.

Thoughts that have become blocks:

➡"I need to save every penny. I shouldn't spend much or it will all be gone."

➡"I can't afford that. It's not worth having - too expensive."

➡"I don't want to share this, there will be less for me- it will run out sooner and will be gone"

➡"That family is so lucky. Look at all the nice things they have. I wish I had all those things"

Many, if not all of these thoughts started as conscious thoughts of my own or planted by society or one or both of my parents (because they're human of course. No blame) and then became subconscious beliefs. These beliefs have been limiting me in my ability to increase my income and flourish financially. Luckily, my husband has a healthier view of money and has been able to provide well for our family. But as for me, there are obviously some misunderstandings I've had over the years about abundance.

Since I try to live my life in a way that would be pleasing to God, I want to explore what He has said concerning abundance and wealth as my first step to replacing my misconceived notions with truth.

Is it vain or selfish to seek wealth?

The bible says,

 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.                                                                                       
                                               1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV)

The key in this scripture is that "the love of money" and people coveting after it caused problems. Money itself is not good nor evil. It is a tool. It can ruin a person who puts it at the top of their priorities and allows the act of seeking after it to be their main objective, allowing it to become an idol that they worship. On the flip side, it can be used as a tool to bless the people's lives if found in the hand of one who has good intentions.

There are many other scriptures that allude to the idea that it is evil to seek after wealth and that having wealth can cause pride. These scriptures help the beholders of riches keep the right mind about their wealth:

•“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” (Prov. 22:1.)

•“… if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.” (Ps. 62:10.)

•“… let not the rich man glory in his riches.” (Jer. 9:23.)

•“… he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. … He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye. …” (Prov. 28:20, 22.)

•“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God. …” (1 Tim. 6:17.)

•“… and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word. …” (Matt. 13:22.)

So the thing to remember is that an unrighteous focus on money itself can cause some people to fall into prideful mindsets, to feel they are better than others because they have more money. It can cause people to feel they can take care of all their needs by themselves, without the help of God, also a prideful mindset.

So is being wealthy a sin or a negative thing?

I answer with a resounding "no".

There are many stories in the scriptures that prove that God uses riches to bless His people for living righteously. Maybe its a test to prove what kind of person we really are?

Because money is a tool, it really just accentuates a person's traits and personality.

Examples:

→If someone is a sharing and giving person, money becomes a tool for them to accentuate that and give more and in more tangible ways.

→If someone is a miser, they will hoard their money, whether they have a little or a lot.

→If someone has little self control, they will most likely have little self control with money, spending more than they bring in and incurring debt.

I believe this is why God wants us to put our focus on becoming a better person first.

18 But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
19 And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.
                                                      Jacob 18-19          

“Because … thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour … but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself … Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth. …” 
                                                     2 Chr. 1:11–12

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” (Mal. 3:8, 10.)

From these scriptures I gather that our greatest focus should be on seeking after wisdom and truth, learning the word of God and blessing and serving others. When these conditions are met, we may then seek for wealth if we are ready to prove that we will use it in ways that are pleasing to God.

As for my thoughts that have been blocking my ability to increase my income ...

I'll fix them

My dreams:

I have many dreams and desires that I feel would bless the lives of my family members and other people. Many of these will require money. Here's my list:

💵 Plant trees and bushes, and finish our landscape plan. Create a beautiful and functional yard to host family and friend gatherings.

💵 Finish basement so we can have a guest bedroom, which could be used to host another exchange student.

💵 Serve a humanitarian mission as a family to a foreign country so my kids can have a cultural and service experience.

💵 Donate more to our church's humanitarian charity to help people around the world in natural disaster relief among many other hardships.

💵 Build a shop/garage with an office so my husband has a place to work from home.

💵 Build a sports court so the kids have a fun venue to invite friends to play on.

💵 Be able to help our 4 kids with college, church missions, cars, learn skills & life experiences.

💵Save enough money to have a comfortable retirement.

💵 Save enough money to serve a mission for our church.

What are yours?