Thinking Abundantly « Wayne Hastings

It’s interesting to me that a few days ago Showtime changed its deal with Netflix and now Starz is following suit. Last Thursday, the pay TV channel said it would no longer put its original content on Netflix the day after it runs on the channel. Now it will wait three months. Starz also said it would eventually do the same with the theatrical movies it carries. The moves from Showtime and Starz come after Netflix made its first foray into original programming, making the company even more of a competitor.

Is this thinking about the customer? Or thinking abundantly? I don’t think so.

Years ago Steven Covey introduced us to abundant thinking. More recently Seth Godin has polished the concept to bring it to not just leadership, but marketing and products as well.

These announcements seem like a “hoarding” mentality. One that is restrictive. One that isn’t customer focused, but rather, “self focused.” The companies are asking, “What’s best for us?” rather than “What’s best for our customer?”

John 10:10 also talks about abundant life. It reminds us, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Jesus’s words are a stark contrast to a hoarding mentality. He brings to us not just forgiveness and hope, but an opportunity to live an abundant life. The word implies “well beyond.” It’s a life well beyond the normal, well beyond anything we’ve seen or lived. But, we have to also read verse 11.

Jesus continues and says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for His sheep.”

The essence of God’s abundance lies in His sacrifice. It’s not about what Jesus can “do” for us, it’s what He “did” for us, at the cross.

When we understand that, then we can begin to understand His incredible, matchless love for us and then we can fully see His promise for an abundant life. It’s not possessions, it’s His love and character working through us and in us every day. That’s abundance.

What do you think?