The bible has a lot to say about our minds. God clearly cares about what we think, how we feel, and what we choose to do about it. Whether you find your identity in Jesus or not, these examples will help you identify where you are on the mental spectrum between having a growth mindset or a fixed mindset.
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The Bible Talks About Growth Mindset and Fixed Mindset
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind[set], that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:2
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:6
“I can do all things through him [Christ] who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13
“In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
Hebrews 5:12-14
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”
1 Peter 2:2-3
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”
2 Corinthians 9:10
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5 (and one of my personal favorites)
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,”
Philippians 1:9
“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.”
1 Timothy 4:15
Want to know something not-so-shocking?
I couldn’t find any scripture verse that tells us to just stay the way we are.
No where does the Bible say to just do what comes naturally.
On the contrary!
Scripture is chalk full of commands, recommendations, and exhortations to grow and improve no matter the difficulty of a situation.
Is a Growth Mindset Natural or Supernatural?
Yes…
There’s no question some people have more natural tendencies to process the world with a growth mindset while others find it difficult and unnatural to even consider.
Each of us is unique, created by design by God with a specific plan and purpose.
Jeramiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
With the book of Jeramiah as our backdrop then, we must recognize there is a purpose in how we process God’s plan for our lives.
If nothing else, I hope the littany of versus above make a strong argument that God doesn’t want people to stay as they are but to grow like a tree in faith, maturity, and capacity.
To do so, however, often requires intentionally choosing a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset.
For some it will be easier and others much, much harder.
But both types of people should accept the reality that choosing a growth mindset is possible and very practical.
While you might agree with that statement, you may be wondering what exactly a growth vs. fixed mindset looks like in different situations.
5 Biblical Examples of a Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset
| Example | Growth Mindset | Fixed Mindset |
|---|---|---|
| Someone hurts, offends, or passes over me. | Through Christ I can forgive. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. But I can work on this to move past it and not let it hold me back. | People always hurt me. It’s just the way it is. I will never forgive that person. |
| I have an addiction, am tempted, or do things I don’t want to do. | In Christ I am a new creation. I can overcome because Jesus already overcame. Who can I go to for help? What can I do differently to become stronger? | It’s generational and there’s no way I’ll be able to stop something my entire family line has struggled with. I can’t change or it’s too hard to change. It’s just the way life is. |
| That scripture, concept, or idea is too complicated. | Even though it’s difficult to understand, God can help me. I’m going to pray for wisdom and seek guidance from others to help me learn. | I’ve always struggled with these things. God just didn’t make me capable of understanding this. |
| Other people feel this way about the situation but I don’t. | God has made me unique and while I may not react the exact same way as other people, maybe there is part of me that’s resisting a deeper level of empathy. I’ll pray for courage to show my emotions despite what others may think. | I’m not a crier. Never have been and never will be. I don’t get emotional, even at sporting events. You can trust feelings so why let them out? |
| I could never get on that stage, talk to that person, or share my testimony. | God calls me to be significant. He has put a spirit of power, love, and sound mind in me, not fear or timidity (2 Timothy 1:7). It’s still hard and scary, but I’m going to surrender and take a risk. | I just wasn’t made that way. It’s too scary. I’m no good. God will use someone else. If I was meant to be bold in this way, God would have made me good at those things. |
Did any of those examples speak to you?
It’s so easy to choose a fixed mindset and remain in our comfort zone.
But growth, excitement, and progress all happen outside the comfort zone.
It takes guts to do unnatural things.
It takes guts to let God do supernatural things.
But it is possible, in Christ, to be an overcomer of the limiting thoughts and feelings we all struggle with.
Here’s the takeaway: Throughout scripture, God tells us we can and should grow. God tells us its possible to mature and be more like Jesus. And all it takes is relying on Him. It’s not always easy and it isn’t supposed to be. But each of us CAN have a biblical growth mindset.
If this content spoke to you, consider doing these 3 things:
- Leave a comment below and tell me what scripture versus you use to remind you to cultivate a growth mindset, or which scriptures help you step out of your comfort zone.
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Stephen
May 28, 2024Rhys,
As I reflect and organize for next year’s sixth graders I am looking to align specific mindsets with specific scriptures. Next year I will be teaching at a Christian school for the first time – exciting prospect. Anyone reading this and works with students I pray will trust in Jesus to do more than they ever thought possible in their classroom. May His kingdom ever expand and may Jesus use us to make this happen. Thanks for the post – thoughtful words.
Rhys Keller
June 4, 2024Stephen – Thank you for your thoughtful note and reflections on growth mindsets for students. It’s easy for children to feel left out of “God’s plan” but the reality is that God uses anyone and everyone to accomplish incredible things. And yet at the same time, even if we don’t feel we are being used by God in any “big” way, the transformation of our character to be more like Jesus is critically important and typically happens beneath the surface. Keep looking up and I am confident your students will be blessed as God uses you to make an impact!
Ronda Wells
November 13, 2022Mine has always been “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.” Especially with a lot of chronic illness and injuries!
Rhys Keller
November 14, 2022Love it, Ronda, thank you for sharing yours!