One of the strongholds of the spirit of poverty I found in my own life was this feeling of sadness when I saw other people making progress financially. As a Christian I knew I should be happy for them, but in my heart I had a feeling there are limited resources in the world and if someone else prospers it would mean less of chance for me to prosper. Call it jealousy or envy…I knew it was wrong.

What I came to understand is that when we have a mindset of lack or scarcity, we believe that everything is limited.This leads to comparison and envy. With an abundance mindset, we believe there’s plenty for everyone. All can be blessed. Consider what God says…

 Proverbs 8:17-21 (KJV)

“I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.”  

God says: “…that I may cause those who love me to inherit substance…” Substance is resources; not for the sake of selfish gain and pride but to redirect and help those less fortunate than us. On the whole, people should rejoice in the success of others, as signs of the coming prosperity of their village, city, and nation. For example, across America today, in public schools and colleges and universities, one still sees many portraits of public benefactors who were successful in commerce and industry. Economic freedom is needed to create an upward tide—for social mobility, opportunity, and the pursuit of personal accomplishment.