People who lived through the Great Depression often had a perspective on life that differed from previous generations. Labeled a “scarcity mindset,” they were well aware that abundance was not something to take for granted. Therefore, even when economic conditions improved, many of them were careful with any expenditure and had a propensity to hang on to things just in case they might need them later. They had experienced a time when opportunities and resources were few, and they reacted by trying to protect themselves from having to live through that again.
Unfortunately, a scarcity mindset is still prevalent among people of more recent generations, although in a much different way. Even if they are reticent to acknowledge it, many people live as if there is a limited amount of good that God can pour out and therefore, we must work to secure any advantage for ourselves. Subsequently, when someone else receives a blessing, we may be tempted to respond with jealousy and angst because we were not given the same. This reaction indicates a belief that God’s good gifts are part of a zero-sum reality; assuming that if our brother or sister in Christ receives a blessing it somehow means that we can’t receive the same. This perspective neglects to consider that there is no limit on what God can provide to His kids. In fact, He has already given us the greatest gift, His Son, and has stated that because He was willing to give His Son, we should have assurance that He will not withhold any other good thing (Lk 12:32). Therefore, if there is some blessing or opportunity that would be for the good of His child, He will provide it, in His good time. When someone else receives a blessing from God, even if it is one we have prayed for and sought after, our response should be one of rejoicing and thanks; the same as our response should be when we are the recipient of God’s good gift.
Recognizing the limitlessness of God’s gift giving can be an easy thing to grasp in theory and a difficult one to accept in practice. But respecting the sovereignty of God means accepting the fact that He is allowed to display the riches of His goodness in whatever way He desires (Mat 20:15). He is not bound by our limited perspective, but He is gracious and faithful to provide what we need when we need it. Additionally, He is the Giver of all good gifts (Ja 1:17) and He is able to do for more abundantly than we ask for or imagine (Eph 3:20-21). Not only does He give us what we require, but often He gives beyond what is needed, providing us a heaping portion of His tangible blessing. As with any good father, He delights in giving good gifts to His kids (Mt 7:11).
Let us therefore be mindful of how we respond when we see God’s kindness being poured out on others in ways that we wished were being poured out on us. Let us recognize that His goodness to them in no way restricts His ability to provide good for us. Let us trust that He will provide the blessings He has planned for us in His good time, and let us thank and praise Him when others get to experience the richness of His great kindness and love.
