Become New with John Ortberg Mindset of Scarcity vs Mindset of Plenty (2023) 2ND THOUGHTS
Jun 4, 2025
Discover how the mindsets of scarcity and plenty shape our lives. A scarcity mindset can trap us in anxiety, while an abundance perspective fosters confidence and truthfulness. Embrace the richness that comes from spiritual rather than material wealth. Learn to trust in divine provision and find contentment in the present moment. The discussion also highlights Jesus' teachings on prayer, showing how they can relieve future anxieties and inspire generosity with our resources.
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Perfect-Temperature Mug Illustrates Lack
- John Ortberg describes a heated coffee mug that keeps coffee at the perfect temperature on his desk.
- He uses it alongside other chargers to illustrate having many possessions yet still feeling lacking.
Scarcity vs Plenty Shapes Behavior
- Anna Lembke's framing: people live with either a scarcity mindset or a plenty mindset, which shapes truth-telling and behavior.
- Scarcity fosters lying, competition, and prioritizing short-term gains even amid material wealth.
Perceived Scarcity Warps Choices
- Reading narratives of scarcity makes people prefer immediate rewards and reduces delayed gratification.
- Perceived scarcity, even fictional, changes decision-making toward urgency and short-termism.
