2023-08-05

Finite or Infinite Mindsets, which one do you have?

(go to Chinese 华文 text)

In 5 Fundamentals of Leadership - Leadership Development | Simon Sinek, Sinek mentioned that James Carsey a theologian from NYU wrote a little book called "finite and infinite games" in which he talks about games and how we play them. There are finite games and there are infinite games. Finite games have known players, fixed rules, agreed objectives and scoring, and an end-point. Infinite games have known and unknown players, and changeable rules, with the only objective of keeping the game in play, endlessly.  

It is obvious that men are finite living in an infinite world. Our mindset tends to be finite and we are more concerned with our present short life. But Jesus has offered the infinite eternal life to us and so as believers, we must adopt the infinite mindset. We should look beyond our present limited physical life into the infinite life with Jesus. I was prompted to use ChapGPT to "preach a sermon on finite and infinite mindsets for Christians". The response from ChapGPT is great. So I include its "sermon" for our learning and reminder:

Title: Embracing the Infinite Mindset: A Christian Perspective

By: ChatGPT

Introduction:

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today, let us delve into the profound concept of finite and infinite mindsets through the lens of our faith. As Christians, our beliefs are centered around the eternal God who calls us to embrace an infinite mindset, transforming our lives and perspectives. In a world often consumed by the finite, we are called to elevate our thinking and seek the eternal truth found in God's Word.

I. The Finite Mindset:

  1. Obsession with Materialism: In a world fixated on material possessions and temporary pleasures, it is easy to fall into a finite mindset. We become preoccupied with accumulating wealth, possessions, and success, losing sight of the eternal values that truly matter.
  2. Fear of Scarcity: The finite mindset fosters fear and anxiety as we worry about not having enough, whether it be resources, time, or opportunities. This fear can hinder our ability to trust in God's providence and generosity.
  3. Limited Vision: When we focus solely on the present and our immediate concerns, our vision becomes confined, preventing us from seeing the bigger picture and the plans God has for us.

II. The Infinite Mindset:

  1. God's Eternal Nature:As Christians, we serve a God who transcends time and space. He is eternal, unchanging, and limitless in His power and wisdom. Embracing an infinite mindset means aligning ourselves with His divine nature.
  2. Trust in God's Abundance:The Bible repeatedly reminds us of God's abundant provision and faithfulness. By trusting in Him, we can release our fears of scarcity, knowing that He will meet all our needs according to His glorious riches.
  3. Focus on Eternal Values:An infinite mindset shifts our focus from the temporal to the eternal. It compels us to seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness, valuing love, kindness, and compassion above all else.

III. Embracing the Infinite Mindset:

  1. Renewing our Minds:To cultivate an infinite mindset, we must actively renew our minds through daily meditation on God's Word and prayer. Romans 12:2 encourages us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
  2. Contentment in God's Plan:When we accept that God's plans are far greater than our own, we can find contentment in every circumstance, trusting that He is working all things together for our good.
  3. Investing in Eternity:An infinite mindset encourages us to invest our time, resources, and talents in building God's kingdom. Our actions become centered on bringing glory to God rather than seeking self-gratification.

Conclusion:

Dear brothers and sisters, as followers of Christ, we are called to embrace an infinite mindset. By anchoring ourselves in the eternal truths of God's Word and aligning our hearts with His will, we can overcome the limitations of the finite world. Let us remember that our journey is not confined to this earthly life, but rather, we are destined for eternity with our Heavenly Father. May the Holy Spirit empower us to live with an infinite mindset, bringing hope, love, and transformation to the world around us. Amen.


As believers. let us remind ourselves of our infinite life and live accordingly.

Colossians 3:1-2 “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above(infinite mindset), where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things(finite mindset).

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读经分享 1044
有限心态还是无限心态,你拥有哪一个? 在领导力发展的五个基本要素中,西蒙·西内克(Simon Sinek)提到了来自纽约大学的神学家詹姆斯·卡西(James Carsey)写了一本名为《有限与无限游戏》的小书,他在书中谈到了游戏以及我们如何玩游戏。有限游戏和无限游戏。有限游戏有确定的玩家,固定的规则,明确的目标和计分,并且有一个终点。无限游戏有确定和不确定的玩家,可变的规则,唯一的目标是无休止地保持游戏进行。 很明显,人类是有限的,生活在一个无限的世界中。我们的心态往往是有限的,我们更关心我们目前短暂的生活。但耶稣为我们提供了无限的永恒生命,所以作为信徒,我们必须采取无限的心态。我们应该超越我们目前有限的生活,展望与耶稣一同度过的无尽生命。我被激发去用 ChapGPT 来“为基督徒讲一场关于有限和无限心态的布道”。ChapGPT的回应很棒。所以我将它的“布道”包含在这里供我们学习和提醒:

标题:拥抱无限心态:基督徒的视角

作者:ChapGPT

引言:

亲爱的基督徒弟兄姐妹们,今天,让我们通过我们的信仰来深入探讨有关有限和无限心态的深刻概念。作为基督徒,我们的信仰围绕着永恒的上帝,祂呼召我们拥抱无限的心态,转变我们的生活和观念。在这个时常被有限事物吞噬的世界里,我们被呼召提高思维,寻求在上帝的话语中找到的永恒真理。

一、有限心态:

物质主义的迷恋:
  1. 在一个迷恋物质财富和暂时快乐的世界中,我们很容易陷入有限的心态。我们沉迷于积累财富、物质和成功,失去了真正重要的永恒价值观。
  2. 对匮乏的恐惧:有限心态滋生恐惧和焦虑,我们担心没有足够的资源、时间或机会。这种恐惧可能阻碍我们信靠上帝的供应和慷慨。
  3. 视野有限:当我们仅关注当前和我们即时的问题时,我们的视野变得狭窄,阻止我们看到更大的图景和上帝为我们设立的计划。

二、无限心态:

  1. 上帝的永恒本质:作为基督徒,我们侍奉的是超越时间和空间的上帝。祂是永恒的,无比的权能和智慧。拥抱无限心态意味着与祂的神性本质相一致。
  2. 相信上帝的丰盛供应:圣经反复提醒我们上帝丰盛的供应和信实。通过信靠祂,我们可以放下匮乏的恐惧,知道祂会按照祂荣耀的丰富满足我们一切的需求。着眼于
  3. 永恒价值观:无限心态将我们的注意力从暂时转向永恒。它驱使我们首先寻求上帝的国度和祂的义,珍视爱、仁慈和同情胜于一切。

三、拥抱无限心态:

    1. 更新我们的思维:要培养无限心态,我们必须通过每天默想上帝的话语和祈祷来主动更新我们的思维。罗马书12:2鼓励我们不要随从这个世界的模式,而要靠着思想的更新而改变。
    2. 满足于上帝的计划:当我们接受上帝的计划远超过我们自己时,我们可以在每一个环境中找到满足,相信祂将把所有事情一起效力,使得我们得益。
    3. 投资于永恒:无限心态鼓励我们投资我们的时间、资源和才能来建立上帝的国度。我们的行动将以荣耀上帝为中心,而不是寻求自我满足。

结语:

亲爱的弟兄姐妹们,作为基督的跟随者,我们被呼召拥抱无限心态。通过根基在上帝话语的真理上,并使我们的心与祂的旨意相一致,我们可以超越有限世界的限制。让我们记住,我们的旅程不限于今生,我们注定要与我们的天父永远共处。愿圣灵赋予我们以无限心态的生活,为我们周围的世界带来希望、爱和改变。阿门

  1. 作为信徒,让我们提醒自己我们的无限生命,并相应地生活。
歌罗西书3:1-2:“所以,你们若真与基督一同复活,就当寻求在上面的事物(无限心态)
,那里有基督坐在神的右边。你们要思念上面的事物,不要思念地上的(有限心态)。”
Lim Liat (c) 5 Aug 2023

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