One thing I have come to realize in this walk with the Lord is that I often find myself walking on eggshells around others because though I consider myself a “perfectionist,” it is the last thing I am.  I, however, do not want others to consider me “less than”  because we talk in this ministry about being to the best of our ability what we say we are, or else we may end up giving God a black eye.  I feel like the slightest error in word or action will cause others to point their fingers and then it gives them reason to mock Christ.  We all walk a tightrope and a recent story that popped up in the news is an example we can all learn from.

If you eat out you know that for parties of usually eight or more, there is a required 18% tip, whether you like the service you received or not; it is automatically figured into your bill. 

Last month, a pastor and some of her congregants visited a restaurant in the St. Louis area following a church service.  When the bill arrived, the pastor wrote on the bill, “I give God 10 percent, why do you get 18?”  A server, finding the note insulting, posted it on the internet and it went viral.  Afterwards, the pastor called the restaurant chain and demanded that everyone (including the manager) be fired.  All kept their jobs except the one who posted the note. 

At least 4,000 responses have been received on this story and some that I read lampooned Christ and the tithe principle.  One response said the pastor “hid behind religion to be “cheap and selfish.”   The pastor has since apologized.

We indeed walk a continuous fine line and it is a fact that we can never forget¯ever¯ because there are those who are always on the ready just looking for any reason to pounce on God. 

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Katie Altobellis