Three Misperceptions About Scarcity Mentality

A few summers ago, I found myself at a kids’ camp in Romania.

The days were long and beautiful. Each morning began with a very cold shower, and the nights concluded with cheerful songs around a bonfire.

During the day, I enjoyed hopping between camp sites. It enabled me to form friendships quickly (and find the best snacks).

There was one family I took to immediately. The mom was around my age; she let me snuggle her baby whenever I wanted, and they all had a good sense of humor.

As we laughed together one afternoon, my new friend leaned over and said, “My husband is a clown."

I shook my head in agreement, “He is really funny."

“No, actually, he has a small business working as a clown."

Later, while the baby was napping, I asked him how he ended up in such a unique profession. To my surprise, he began telling me his story about growing up in an orphanage. He shared openly about past trauma and intense feelings of unwantedness.

Those feelings did not disappear easily.

“Even when I became a Christian and knew that I was adopted into God’s family, I still had the mentality of an orphan."

As a financial counselor, I recognize that many of us feel this paradox. We affirm God’s ownership, his goodness, his love, yet many people struggle to live as if God is good.

We work until we are burned out. We hoard money in an attempt to protect ourselves from pain. We experience chronic stress, relationship tensions, and competitiveness around money. We desire the light yoke of Jesus, but many of us still live with the heavy burden of worldly expectations.

We are the adopted sons and daughters of the King, living with an orphan mentality.

Many Christians carry an attitude of scarcity. Scarcity mentality comes in many forms, and it is often misunderstood.

For those who want to embrace an abundance mindset, allow me to share three common misconceptions about a scarcity mindset.

1. Anxiety, not fear

Many people use the word fear to describe their relationship with money, but what they are really experiencing is anxiety. Here’s the difference and why it’s important:

Fear is an emotional response to an immediate threat. With fear, the problem exists in real time.

Anxiety is quite different. Anxiety is an emotional response to a perceived future threat; it fixates on problems that haven’t happened yet.

Money anxiety cannot be resolved by accumulating more money. It is often a symptom of past experiences, not present circumstances.

2. Self-discovery, not self-discipline

I have counseled C-suite executives, marines, lawyers, and pastors. These are professions that require a high degree of self-discipline. Most people assume that to gain an abundance mindset, they simply need to practice discipline, and it’s a misconception that keeps people stuck.

I learned early in my career that self-discipline wasn’t the underlying issue; it was self-awareness. Most people aren’t aware of why they behave with money the way they do.

They will study Scripture, take a course, set a goal, and become discouraged when their best intentions are overshadowed by old habits.

Self-discovery is often a necessary step before self-discipline.

3. Opportunity for healing, not hiding

Over the years, I have come to appreciate my own anxieties around money. This is where God meets me to provide healing.

When I start to worry about the future, I hear the still small voice of Yahweh inviting me to sit with Him.

For those struggling with scarcity mentality, know that God is not shaming you; He is actively trying to heal you.

Over the years, I have come to appreciate my own anxieties around money. This is where God meets me to provide healing. When I start to worry about the future, I hear the still small voice of Yahweh inviting me to sit with Him.

My Romanian friend reminded me that following Jesus isn’t about saying the perfect thing or knowing the right answers. It’s about allowing God to heal the deepest parts of you that cause you to run from Him.

Abundance isn’t about having more stuff. It is about being reconciled to the Father and actively participating in His restoration.

Restoration doesn’t look like trying to control your future through money. It looks like an orphan who experienced the love of Christ, allowed God to restore his heart, and now lives his days bringing joy to children.

Abundance isn’t measured in what you receive. It’s measured in how much you pour out.

It’s a lesson I learned from a clown.

This article was published in our Faithful Steward magazine, a quarterly publication filled with encouraging stories, biblical teaching, and practical tools to help you grow as a wise and joyful giver. If you'd like to begin receiving Faithful Steward, consider becoming a FaithFi partner.