Each day of our 2017 fast will include a short reflection on each of the 7 Movements of Discipleship. The 7 Movements are the way we explain the transformations that come as we follow Jesus.
The fast is soon coming to a close. We started Sunday evening at sundown and we're ending tomorrow morning at sunrise. As we've spent the week experiencing what it's like to go without and have God still fill us, let's briefly reflect on the movement from Scarcity to Abundance.
Moving from Scarcity to Abundance is a change of perspective and, eventually, a change in the way you come to experience reality.
When we are living from a perspective of scarcity we will do all we can to protect our life, our money, and our possession. This is because we believe that if we lose them, that will be it. In scarcity, losing something is always a loss. When we live from a perspective of scarcity, we live independently, trusting that we'll have to work and sweat for everything that we will get--money, recognition, relationships. This, naturally, makes it difficult to share, to give, and to lose generously.
“Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
When we talk about an abundance mentality, we're not talking about what some people teach: that God desires to bless you with ever increasing amounts of wealth and possessions--you just gotta tap into it! No, that's not it.
Our world is slowly coming to terms with the fact that ever increasing amounts of wealth and possessions do not increase happiness nor quality of life.
God has known that for a long time.
When we talk about having an abundance mentality we are talking about living dependently on God, who is your Father, and who owns everything.
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. (Psalm 24:1-2)
From the perspective of abundance, everything you have is a gift from God. You can share, give, or lose anything because your Father "knows what you need before you ask Him" (Matthew 6:8).
“When we give generously with an abundance mentality, what we give away will multiply.”
When we live from a perspective of abundance, we don't look at our needs or other's needs and think hopeless thoughts. We look at every need as an opportunity for God to provide. God may choose to provide in a myriad of ways and He may choose to provide in a way that we would have rather him not. Either way, we live dependently on Him.
It's as if, when God fills out his metaphorical tax return every year, He lists you as his dependent.
Each of the 7 Movements are transformations we must experience as we follow Jesus. For example, I must die to the old me who lived in a world of scarcity, where only I took care of me and where there was never enough. Through Jesus, I am born again, like Him--living freely in a world of abundance where I can count on my Father to provide for me. As all of life is a gift, I become thankful for everything--seeing the miracle in the small and the big.
Do you live from a perspective of scarcity or abundance?
Not sure?
Do you find it easy to give money generously? Or is it like pulling teeth? Does it fill you with worry?
Do you find it easy to share your time, your possessions, your recognition? Or do you feel like you're only losing?
To move from scarcity to abundance, you must come to find your security and the assurance of your value and future in God. Without this, it will really just be your striving to change separated from the real condition of your heart (more on that tomorrow in the 7th Movement).
Following Jesus is a journey toward all the creative potential and possibilities that exist within God. In a relationship with God, there is no end. That's abundance. The God who made, owns and knows all... is your Father. He's given you eternal life. The never-ending life of God for you to experience, drink from and live within. Now and into the future.
Remember the 7 Movements are movements we take as we are transformed into the image of Jesus. Jesus depended on His Father for everything and, therefore, he lived life at rest.
How can you take your next step away from scarcity and into the beautiful world of an abundant God?
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The fast is almost over! Join us this Saturday morning at 10am - 12:30pm to pray and break the fast! We will be at 680 rue Richmond. Please bring a dish to share.