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).
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).
Acting Crabby
Put a bunch of crabs in a bucket and you'll witness an interesting phenomenon. When one attempts to climb out of the bucket, the other crabs pull him back down.
Follow the link above to learn more about "Crab Mentality."
We see this same thing happen whenever a seeker begins to look for a way out of his hopeless life. Those who are in the same "bucket" reach out to pull him back. Even those who claim to have no interest in spiritual things will suddenly display a vested interest in holding him back. If there is no God, why should they care?
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10).
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life" (Mark 10:29-30).
Additional Application:
From the blog page "Ridiculously Extraordinary":
"I’ve noticed myself doing this on occasion and it’s upsetting to think about. For example, somebody brings an idea to me and I immediately shoot it down. 'Ehh, I don’t think that will work.' And you know what? It might not. But who am I to shoot someone down?
"I’m supposed to be supportive of my friends, family, and business partners.
"So from now on, if a friend comes to me with an idea, instead of shooting it down if I think maybe it’s not doable I’ll say 'Hmm, I’m not sure I can help, but don’t listen to me. What steps can you take right now to make it happen? And how do you think I can help?'”
"Just think of the possibilities if we all supported those close to us in this way."
Rather, Paul tells us that we should, "Rejoice with those who rejoice" (Romans 12:15).