Perceptions #200304

Poverty Mentality

by James Bailey

I want to thank Zig Ziglar for his little book Life Lifters. The great advice found therein, Ziglar talks about having the "Poverty Mentality". TV Commercials, programs, articles, and other things that are designed to make us want to "have it all" bring on this sort of thinking. In many cases "all" includes the beautiful home as well as a place at the beach, in the mountains, or at the lake. Add to that list luxury cars, exciting vacations, beautiful clothes, respect in the community, a wonderful family, and "everythin" that several people might have in their lifetime. The basic problem with all that is when we have "all" - we still don't think we have "it all". This causes us to focus on the things we don't have, instead of the things we do have. That is the "poverty mentality". Eventually these folks become like the old farmer who, when someone asked him if he wanted all the land, he replied, "No, I just want the land next to mine".

Fact is, we seldom see greedy people who are happy. Happiness is not getting everything you want, it's wanting everything you have - and that takes a mental element called "gratitude". Webster says that "gratitude" is an emotion of the heart; and sentiment of kindness or goodwill toward a benefactor; thankfulness. Gratitude is a virtue of the highest excellence as it implies a feeling of a generous heart and a proper sense of duty. One wise person wrote "There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second." It has also been said that gratitude is the sign of noble souls. The message is clear: If we are thankful for what we do have, we will be happier and healthier. In addition, many of the other things either come our way or lose any significance for us. Hence, happiness is centered on all the wonderful things we do have. And it helps to realize that all we have is from the storehouse of God, and God's storehouse is full for His children.

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