Writing the Song of Our People: Building a Culture of Generosity

As Americans, there is a reputation we have throughout the world. It may be unfair but it still exists. We are seen as wealthy, money grubbing, arrogant and at times cruel.
As a Christian, I am sometimes viewed this way in my own nation, at least in generality, though I hope not by anyone who knows me personally.

I have friends who waited tables for years who complained that some of their worst tippers in memory were Christians. I have other friends, who when traveling oversees let people assume their are Canadian unless specifically asked. As with many problems these attitudes can only be changed one person at a time. Generosity is one tool for doing that.

My husband and I enjoy tipping well. Our minimum is beyond the expected and we happily tip more when we’ve had particularly good service, especially if our children were with us. (The waitress at Red robin who kept the fries coming without us even having to ask, even before the rest of our orders arrived, got a great tip. She clearly has a skill for waiting on families with small children.)

Every interaction we have will produce positive or negative opinions about ourselves, and whatever groups we represent. There have certainly been times in my life that I was not proud of my behavior and was glad no one knew I was a Christian (or regretted they did.)

I don’t think obsessing over every negative reaction or trying to portray a certain persona is helpful. But I do believe we can try to remember who we represent in all our interactions.

We are the hands and feet of Jesus. This doesn’t mean that we never enforce the law, God is just as well as loving. But it does mean we need to find balance in words and the manner in which we relate to others.  Compassion is as much in our tone as what we say.

You get to decide what you sound like and you help to influence the generalities and stereotypes.

Sing a song of generosity, compassion, justice, mercy and love. Hopefully it will catch on.

Next – All That We Can Do Together: The Benefits of Corporate Generosity