20 May W3 | Growth Mindset

Posted at 14:46h in June, Topics 2025 by

REFERENCE BIBLE VERSES

Romans 12:2 (ESV) | Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Matthew 25:29 (ESV) | For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

OBJECTIVE

To actively seek opportunities, embrace difficulties, and understand growth as an ongoing invitation to the eternal life we gained through Jesus Christ.

CONTENT

OVERCOMING LIMITING BELIEFS

  • You’ve probably heard of a fixed mindset. Stanford professor Carol Dweck coined the term to describe the state of thinking that our qualities and capabilities cannot change. This belief keeps us confined within our limitations. And so, we run on fear, avoid challenges, engage in self-pity, and become insecure at other people’s success. Growth mindset, on the other hand, is driven by the belief that one can always improve. People with this mindset are often optimistic and are always seeking opportunities to become better at what they do.
  • The growth mindset we need to employ is one that is rooted in Christ. It’s impossible to sustain our level of excellence throughout our lives if we do not involve Jesus in our daily pursuits. While it is possible to develop resilience from a purely secular standpoint, there will come a time when we run out of resources to do our best. None of our work will last unless we are heavenly-minded.
  • Take the example of Peter. In the dark and stormy night, Peter’s out-of-this-world ability to walk on water wavers as soon as he turns his mind away from Jesus and towards his fears (Mat. 14:30). It’s the same with us when we run on shaky foundations when challenging our limiting beliefs. Sheer perseverance without tapping into a sure and unlimited resource will eventually wear us out.
  • Founded upon the Rock, every pursuit of excellence will have a meteoric impact on our lives as well as it edifies others around us. When we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us unto unwavering obedience, we become freed from the bondage of fear, coming out strong sharing in our Father’s glory (Rom. 8:15-17).

SET YOUR MINDS ON THINGS ABOVE

  • Rather than building up a worldly sense of who we are, albeit excellent, we ought to live in a manner consistent with our confident belief in the One who gives us strength (Phil. 4:13) and eternal life (John 3:16). God’s vision for the best version of ourselves will always be more beautiful and glorious than our own.
  • All things considered, successful living becomes an honorable goal. To prime such a life of abundance, we are to maintain a teachable heart that receives God’s wisdom well. This implies His constant presence and involvement in our lives, in that in every endeavor, we acknowledge the One who knows everything better than we do. A straight path will follow as we go on confiding not in our own understanding but leaning into our Father (Prov. 3:5-6).
  • Keeping in mind that the Lord created us in His image and designed us for eternity fuels adamant diligence in living out our faith. Worldly trials and tribulations abound, but Jesus has risen above the biggest challenge of all--death--so that through His sufficiency we become more than self-sufficient in our work, but efficient for His purposes, despite in weakness (2 Cor 12:9). Rising above every challenge becomes an opportunity to be overwhelmed by His grace. The result is always growth, spiritual maturity, and transformation.
  • It is a privilege to receive His invitations unto this higher mode of thinking. We gain the progressive ability to test and approve His perfect will (Rom. 12:2). The question is, do we want to continue running the rat-race lifestyle or humbly accept the joy that was set before us (Heb. 12:1-2)?

REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  • Recall a time in your life when you were able to maintain a growth mindset with God and another time when you didn’t involve God. How are they the same? How are they different?
  • What are some of the ways we can ensure ourselves to keep seeking heavenly thoughts?

REFERENCES