Why Does It Feel Like You Never Have Enough?
the hidden bias that keeps us searching for more
When researchers gave people problems to solve, they overwhelmingly tried to improve things by adding. More blocks. More features. More steps. More kids. More dogs. Even when removing something would have worked better.
The researchers called this subtraction neglect or additive bias, the reflexive habit of assuming every problem is a deficit problem.
And addition is good when the problem is a lack. Like if you’re starving, add food. If you’re ignorant, add knowledge. If you’re lonely, add more dogs.
The trouble is that we tend to think that every problem is caused by a deficit, making more seem like the obvious answer to, well, everything. That’s because our brains reward acquisition by giving us a little hit of dopamine from finding, collecting, learning, and adding more. Subtraction rarely gives us that same hit.
But it is in the realm of faith where this idea becomes especially fascinating to me. The way I see it, Spiritual subtraction neglect leads us to approach faith with a scarcity mindset in which we assume every spiritual struggle is caused by a deficit.
Not enough faith.
Not enough discipline.
Not enough Bible knowledge.
Not enough prayer.
Not enough effort.
But what if the problem isn’t what we need to add, but what we need to subtract?
Fear.
Self-reliance.
Pride.
Control.
Unforgiveness.
Attachment to outcomes.
The belief that God is withholding something good from you.
Jesus solved a lot of problems through subtraction. Not because growth never requires addition, of course, it does, but because some problems are caused more by spiritual clutter than spiritual hunger.
The rich young ruler didn’t lack morality. He was just hoarding wealth.
Martha didn't lack understanding. She was simply distracted by many things.
The Pharisees weren't short on devotion. They were drowning in religious accumulation.
In each case, Jesus wasn't filling a deficit. He was removing an obstacle. Again and again, He removes what people cling to rather than adding what they think they need.
Working from abundance, not scarcity, Jesus isn't afraid to subtract because He isn't trying to fill a void. He knows the Father is enough. Letting go of lesser things can never impoverish someone who already possesses the greatest thing.
One of the greatest forms of spiritual maturity is learning that not every problem is solved by adding something. Children grow by acquiring. Saints grow by surrendering. Which means that sometimes the breakthrough comes when you finally remove what never belonged there in the first place.
We spend a lot of time asking, ‘What do I need to add?’ But God repeatedly asks a different question: “What is getting in the way?”
Field Testing Spiritual Subtraction Neglect: Hebrews 12:1
The Power of Spiritual Subtraction (a short Bible study on the topic)
“Let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)
Why we’re testing this passage:
Subtraction feels counterintuitive. We tend to assume every struggle is caused by a deficit and every solution requires addition. But Hebrews begins the race of faith with an act of subtraction. Before the runner takes a step forward, he is told to put something down.
1. Notice the sequence
“Let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance…”
The author doesn’t start out with running. He starts with removing.
Why does the command to lay aside come before the command to run?
What does the sequence reveal about the author’s understanding of spiritual endurance?
Why might the author assume that some subtraction is necessary before the race can be run well?
2. Examine the distinction
“Every encumbrance and the sin…”
Why mention both encumbrance and sin?
Can something hinder a believer without being sinful?
3. Define the metaphor
“…run with endurance the race set out for us.”
What qualities of a race does the author want us to see?
Why is endurance emphasized rather than speed?
How does the image of a runner help explain the command to lay aside weights?
4. Test the entanglement language
“…the sin that so easily entangles us.”
The image isn’t just wrongdoing but of something that wraps itself around the runner’s feet.
What does entanglement suggest about how sin hinders progress?
How is entanglement different from weight?
What does the metaphor reveal about the author’s concern in this verse?
Field Note
The author doesn’t start by asking what the runner needs to gain. He starts by asking what the runner needs to put down. Before the race can be run well, something has to be removed.