Stingy Witness
Penny Craver, general manager of a pizza restaurant, came to the defense of one of her wait staff who received a religious pamphlet from and a very small tip from a patron. That's when Craver decided to do something about it. She looked up the church listed on the pamphlet, Harbor Baptist Church in Charlotte, and wrote an email to the church's pastor. It reads:
Pastor Simmons:
I am the general manager of Dish (restaurant) in Plaza Midwood. Imagine one of my server's surprise when she received a small pamphlet (Every one of us will face eternity one day) instead of a tip when she served what I assume was one of your congregation. Her particular religious beliefs are not discussed at work; however, I do know that this pamphlet can not pay her mortgage or her electric bill. It concerns me that someone would consider a pamphlet fair monetary exchange. Suppose your congregation felt it was sufficient to tithe their personal writings instead of 10% of their income. Your church wouldn't be paying their bills for very long. I think it would be great if you used this in a sermon. Pride, one of the 7 Deadly Sins, is considered, on almost every list, the original and most serious of the seven deadly sins: the source of the others. It is identified as believing that one is essentially better than others, failing to acknowledge the accomplishments of others, and excessive admiration of the personal self (especially holding self out of proper position toward God). I think it could be educational for at least one member of your congregation. Thank you very much for your time.
Craver says she felt compelled to write the email because this was the third or fourth time that particular employee had received a religious pamphlet in lieu of a tip. "The waitress works hard-- when she's able to pick up shifts between her classes," Craver says, "and those pamphlets aren't helping to pay her bills."
Stingy people will always be among us, Christian or not. The difference is the Christian has no excuse. To whom much is given, much is required.
However, in general, most studies show that people of faith are more giving of their time and money. When something like this happens, it's news because we all recognize the hypocrisy of it. When was the last time an atheist stiffing a waitress made a headline? The point is the world watches us with far more scrutiny.
That’s why our deeds are even more important than our pamphlets, or even the words we speak in witnessing to others.
“For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you” (1 Thessalonians 1:5).
“For Scripture says, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages” (1 Timothy 5:18).
The Story of Oseola McCarty
Oseola McCarty was a humble washerwoman from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Born in 1908, she lived a modest life, earning her livelihood by hand-washing clothes for local families. Despite her meager income, Oseola had a profound sense of frugality and purpose. Over the decades, she quietly saved the majority of her earnings, living simply and without extravagance.
At the age of 87, Oseola made a decision that stunned the world. She donated $150,000 of her life savings to the University of Southern Mississippi to fund scholarships for deserving African American students who lacked financial resources for higher education. Her only request was that the money be used to help students who were serious about their education.
When asked why she gave away so much of her savings, Oseola replied:
"I wanted to help somebody’s child go to college. I’m too old to get an education, but they can."
Oseola’s gift inspired countless others to follow her example. Her story received national attention, and additional donations poured in, multiplying the impact of her generosity. She received numerous awards and honorary degrees, but she remained humble, focused only on the joy of giving and helping others.
Giving isn’t about the size of the gift, it’s about the heart behind it. Oseola’s generosity, born out of selflessness and compassion, transformed lives and left a lasting legacy. Her story reminds us that even the smallest acts of giving can create ripples of positive change.
"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered" (Proverbs 11:24-25, ESV).
"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you" (Matthew 6:1-4, ESV).
Wouldn't I Be More Generous Than That?
Robert Kennedy famously (or infamously!) chose to never carry cash. Rather, he had a reputation of relying on his friends and entourage to fork over the dough when needs arose. Biographer Evan Thomas records that on one such occasion, Kennedy found himself at a church service with no money to put in the plate. He looked to his friend to put something in on his behalf. The friend reportedly place a single dollar into the plate, to which Kennedy chided, "Don’t you think I’d be more generous than that?”
This begs the question, if your neighbor were going to "give" on your behalf, how generous would they be? You might "think" yourself a generous soul, but do your actions match your own self-image?
Just a word of caustion — Don't be more generous in theory than in practice.
"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered" (Proverbs 11:24-25, ESV).
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV).