"What Mindset Am I Choosing?" | September 28, 2025 | Ps Stephen George

In a world that often tells us there's never enough, it's easy to fall into a scarcity mindset. We find ourselves constantly chasing after more - more money, more possessions, more status. But what if there was a different way to approach life? What if, instead of always feeling like we're running on empty, we could live from a place of abundance and overflow?

The concept of an "overflow mindset" challenges our typical ways of thinking about resources, whether that's time, money, or energy. It's a perspective shift that invites us to see the world through a lens of abundance rather than lack.

At its core, an overflow mindset is rooted in a profound truth: everything we have comes from God. Psalm 24:1 reminds us, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him." This realization transforms us from owners into stewards. We're not ultimately in control of what we have - we're managers, entrusted with resources to use wisely and generously.

Living with an overflow mindset doesn't mean we'll always have excess in material terms. Rather, it's about cultivating a heart of contentment and trust, regardless of our circumstances. It's choosing to believe that God is our ultimate source and that He is more than enough.

This stands in stark contrast to the scarcity mindset that often plagues us. A scarcity mindset breeds fear, greed, and an unhealthy self-reliance. It tells us we'll never have enough and that we must cling tightly to whatever we can get. But this way of living leaves no room for God's abundance to flow through us.

So how do we cultivate an overflow mindset? It starts with intentional stewardship coupled with deep trust in God. There's a beautiful tension captured in the phrase: "Work like it's up to you, and pray like it's up to Him." This balance of human effort and divine dependence is key to living in overflow.

The overflow mindset isn't just about having more for ourselves - it's about becoming conduits of God's generosity to others. When we live from a place of abundance, we're freed to give generously, serve joyfully, and love extravagantly. Our lives become like cups that are constantly being filled and spilling over to bless those around us.

This way of living is modeled perfectly in Jesus Christ. As 2 Corinthians 8:9 tells us, "You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich." Jesus exemplified the ultimate overflow mindset, giving up the riches of heaven to pour out His life for us.

Living with an overflow mindset is a choice we must make daily. It's not tied to our bank account balance or how much free time we have. It's a heart posture that says, "God, you are enough, and I trust you to provide what I need."

Practically speaking, how can we cultivate this mindset? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Practice daily gratitude: Start each day by thanking God for His provision, no matter how small it may seem.

2. Give regularly: Return your tithes and look for opportunities to be generous. Counterintuitively, giving often increases our sense of abundance.

3. Serve others: Use your time and talents to bless those around you. This reminds us that we have something valuable to offer.

4. Seek spiritual counsel: Don't be afraid to ask for help in managing your resources wisely.

5. Start each day asking God, "How can I overflow today?" Be open to His leading.

It's important to recognize that shifting to an overflow mindset isn't always easy. We live in a culture that constantly reminds us of what we lack. But the good news is that Jesus is inviting us into a different way of living. He offers us life abundant, overflowing with His love, grace, and provision.

The story of the Israelites in Exodus serves as a cautionary tale. Despite witnessing incredible miracles - the parting of the Red Sea, manna from heaven - they still complained and longed for what they had in Egypt. Their story reminds us that even miracles won't guarantee contentment. True contentment comes from recognizing God's goodness and sufficiency in every circumstance.

As we embrace an overflow mindset, we may find ourselves facing a moment of decision. Are we ready to let go of the scarcity mentality that has held us captive? Are we willing to trust God as our ultimate source and provider? This shift requires courage and faith, but it opens the door to a life of true abundance.

Remember, generosity starts with how we think. An overflow mindset doesn't come from fear, but from trust that God is the source of our abundance. It's about posturing our hearts towards Him and choosing to live from a place of overflow.

In John 3:16-17, we're reminded of God's overflowing love for us: "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him." This is the ultimate picture of overflow - God's love poured out lavishly for us.

As we reflect on these truths, may we be inspired to live differently. Let's choose to see the world through the lens of God's abundance rather than scarcity. May our lives overflow with gratitude, generosity, and love, becoming a testament to the goodness of our Provider. In doing so, we not only experience the richness of life God intends for us but also become channels of His blessing to a world in desperate need of hope.