Let's Not Be An "Old Skinflint!"

Some folks will do anything to save a buck. The story is told of a miserly uncle who invited his nephews to hunt for arrowheads in the field behind his house. However, before the search could begin, he told the excited youngsters they had to move all the rocks out of the field and clear away the underbrush.

By the time they were finished, it was too late to search for arrowheads. Later, they learned that none had ever been found on his property. When they complained to their dad, he said, “My old skinflint brother hoodwinked you out of a day’s work.” Those boys will not soon forget how they were taken advantage of.

There’s nothing wrong with being frugal. In fact, it’s a matter of good stewardship (cf. Matthew 24:45-47). But there is something definitely wrong with being so thrifty that you won’t pay a boy what he’s worth.

Stinginess at the cost of someone else’s humiliation or hurt is not what our Lord wants. In 1 Timothy 6:18, we learn that we’re to “do good” and be “ready to give, willing to share.” Christians are to be fair, giving, and generous people.

God is the ultimate giver. He gave His Son – an unbelievable sacrifice, to offer us new life (John 3:16). Let’s follow His example of love and generosity — then we won’t be accused of being an “old skinflint.”

Because God gives us all we "need" (Philippians 4:19), let’s give to others in their need (Acts 2:44-45; Acts 4:34-35).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets