Awhile back I wrote a blog that started, “Sometimes Christians suck”, and this is one reason why that statement is true. I have been hearing reports about Christians being bad tippers. Now, I have seen varying studies that show that it is not totally true, but come on. Jesus, your servers, and quite frankly other believers deserve better.

Let’s start with the concept that kindness is supposed to be at the core of the life of a Jesus follower. We should treat people the way we would like to be treated, right? Most servers make very little in salary, and they depend on tips to supplement their income. Poor tippers can cause a concussive effect on a person’s livelihood. How is stiffing them on the tip kind? What would you want someone to tip if it was you or your child?

The fact that some restaurants expect their Sunday post church service crowd to go cheap is sad and wrong. That means that they are expecting those who say they love Jesus to not show that love to them. Shame! I understand that everyone doesn’t do this, but there seems to be enough of us doing it to make the national news.

There are numbers of fast food places that don’t have gratuity as a part of their pay. Frequent as many of those as possible, rather than hurting people and your Christian witness.

I understand that we don’t always have the money to tip well. I have been there. Sadly, I have had moments where I didn’t have more than 1% tip to give. The guilt in those moments was incredible. I felt ashamed of myself. It would have been better if I had simply gone to a restaurant more suited to my financial ability.

What do the people serving us think about our God based on our treatment of them? I think about that in my interactions. I frequent several eating establishments, and I have come to know the workers. Many know that I am a Christian, and some know I am a pastor. When they see me I (although not fair) represent all the faithful, and how I engage with them speaks of this God that I say I serve.

“As it is written: God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” Romans 2:24(NIV) This scripture shows us that we have the ability to give God a bad name, by our actions. People who work hard should be paid for their work. So, if this is you, my brothers and sisters, DO BETTER! If not willing, then don’t go out to eat after church, don’t wear crosses, open a bible at the table, or do anything that would cause people to think that you are one of us. I love you, but if you are a bad tipper and a Christian, you suck!

http://www.christianitytoday.com/women/2013/january/why-are-christians-such-bad-tippers.html?start=2

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/tennessee-church-christians-horrible-tippers-article-1.1715155

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/10/sundays-are-the-worst-christian-tipping_n_4934418.html