The word stingy implies the lack of desire to give something to someone; to grudgingly give away from oneself. It reminds me of the character named Ebenezer Scrooge. He is portrayed at Christmas time as a tightfisted miser with nothing good to say about anyone. He is a miserable, stingy old codger that thinks of no-one but him-self; not caring about the needs of others. Scrooge is a hoarder and very much alone. His two favorite words to say are, “Bah Humbug!”
Some of the first words my children learned as toddlers were Mommy, Daddy, no and mine. It was difficult training them to share with others what was theirs. They were stingy with their toys and especially those occasional, special treats. I can still hear the favorite words they used. “No! Mine!”
Christians can be just as stingy and hording as Scrooge and my kids. Some are reluctant to share their faith with others and stay somewhat secluded, yet know they have something special within them, because Jesus saved their soul. Their attitude goes something like this, “I’ve found the answer for me, now go find it for you.”
I don’t think stinginess is their intent, but their actions or lack thereof say plenty. I think some people are just timid to share Christ for fear of rejection. Rather than meeting with opposition they say nothing and live their life in a vacuum, protected from the ridicule of non Christians.
Stinginess is a hard taskmaster, because people that refuse to give joy and happiness away from themselves live with a troubled mind. They know they should be sharing their faith with others, but don’t. Some live with self condemnation and guilt, because they know they should do more for God.
I remember as a new Christian being afraid to share the Lord with my boss. It wasn’t that I was stingy to share Jesus with him, he was the boss after all, and I was just the hired help. At least that’s what I told myself. I just couldn’t do it, though I knew I should.
It wasn’t until I had a terrible nightmare of him in torment, engulfed in the flames of hell, that I was compelled to share the plan of salvation with him the following morning.
In my dream he was pointing his finger at me saying, “You knew! You knew and didn’t share Jesus with me!” I could only observe what my silence had caused, because it was too late now to say anything. His anguish was horrifying as he stood there begging me to help him escape the unquenchable fire.
Testifying to him was the hardest thing I have ever done. I hope the memory of the dream will never leave me. It’s a reminder to share Christ whenever the opportunity presents itself. How can Christians not share the means to escape hell? How can they sit idly by and watch their loved ones, neighbors, friends and co-workers go about their daily lives and not share Jesus with them? I can’t understand it.
Christians possess life, because Jesus is life. By their lack of concern, in essence, they are saying, I’m too busy; I’m introverted; I’m glad I’m saved, now good luck to you; or, If I knew more of the Bible I would tell them. Excuses are worse than being stingy. One thing is sure, neither gets the job done.
Tomorrow may never come for some. Because we were too stingy to share, they may die tonight not having heard that Jesus sets people free from sin, and that there is a hope beyond death. Or we may die and the words of life we have will go to the grave with us. We may be okay, spiritually, but what about the others? Where will they spend eternity?
We must shake ourselves awake and put away excuses and the lack of concern for lost souls. Time is running out for them. Look around and see how many are starving for love and looking for answers. They are searching for someone to share the hope of eternal life with them; someone that’s not stingy with their faith.
If you could see hell as I did in my dream, you would understand my frustration and troubled mind. Hell is a terrible place. We must do our part to share the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ before it’s too late.
Written by,
Papa Boyd
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