The Problem with Stinginess
The blessing of living generously
We are blessed with incredible wealth in the USA. America has tangible, measurable resources that exceed the awareness of most of us. And yet, we are a generous nation, some would say to a fault, while others say not nearly enough.
We give to relief needs and other good causes throughout the world, more than many nations combined.
I’ve often heard people say “charity begins at home” or something similar when it comes to the topic of giving and generosity. People voice similar attitudes regarding world missions.
When we traveled on furloughs to visit our supporting churches and individual supporters, I remember some people questioning my wife and me why our work overseas was even necessary.
When we live a life insulated from the world around us, which is easier to do now that many of us work remotely, it’s hard to relate to those who live in need.
In many places I traveled overseas, it was common to see people living in abject poverty in lean-to homes made of cardboard and scrap wood next to a person of wealth.
Generous or stingy?
The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about giving and not giving, about generosity and stinginess. Here’s one example —
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. (Proverbs 11:24 ESV)
Stinginess is rather ugly. It’s not an act of stewardship nor a matter of frugality. At its core, stinginess is a heart issue—a hardened heart and a lack of trust in God.
I once read that America has about 20% of the world’s population but consumes 80% or more of the world’s goods. And yet, a large percentage of Americans are discontent amid all we have.
Perhaps the advertising and media we’re bombarded with encourages this discontent. It could be our disconnectedness from the rest of the world that has much less.
But I think it goes much deeper.
It’s easy to blame outside influences when the issues are within us. It is us. Stinginess and discontent are part of the human condition. We are selfish by nature.
At its core, stinginess is a heart issue.
A story of opposites
The story of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11) is an unusual one. It seems to be an anomaly in the Book of Acts. But is it?
This couple lied about how much they gave, but why? The text above in Proverbs alludes to it. They held some back but said they gave it all. Their story illustrates the idea of stinginess.
Previous to their story (Acts 4:34–37), we see Joseph, also called Barnabas, as an example of one [who] gives freely, yet grows all the richer. Barnabas gave without reservation.
His gain wasn’t a measurable increase like money, but a wealth reflected by his character. He trusted God with all he had in life. It was not just belief in God but a genuine trust in God.
Living with a generous heart
When we learn to trust in God and His graciousness, it changes us. It transforms our nature and character. We need to trust wholeheartedly to experience real transformation.
This kind of trust goes deeper than what we give or how much we give. Generosity displaces stinginess. They are mutually exclusive attitudes of the heart.
Generosity leads to graciousness, which is greater than selfishness. Generosity reflects the nature of God.
Whether we give freely or hold something back is determined by our level of trust in God for the most part. And how we give reveals the level of our trust in God or our lack thereof. It reveals a tendency towards generosity or stinginess.
Generosity displaces stinginess
Here are some things to consider and pray about—
Are you holding onto something you need to let go of and entrust to God?
Do you tend to give without expectations or find yourself wanting to hold something in reserve for yourself?
Try a simple experiment. Give to or bless someone this week with no expectation of return or benefit. See if it gives you a sense of freedom or regret.