I live in the Bible Belt – Branson, Missouri. Every show you attend has a tribute to the veterans and sings at least one gospel song. That’s great! There’s a church on every corner, and the majority of them have been voted “Number One Show On The Strip.” You can pretty much find any kind of food you are looking for, whether it’s fried chicken or sushi.
On Sundays, when the services get out and the “church folks” show up for lunch, the servers at those restaurants cringe. Why? “It’s those Christians again!” The ones who snap at the waitress because their steak was overcooked. The ones who hold hands and pray before the meal, moan when their water glass gets half empty, then walk out the door without leaving a tip.
I have seen it first hand and as a Christian, honestly, it ticks me off. We are to be Jesus with skin on to those around us, but instead we walk into a restaurant feeling entitled to the waitress’ services. They may be there to serve us, but may I remind you that we are there to serve them as well? Are you doing your part?
Jesus dined out at the feeding of the five thousand. He was the chef (Matthew 15:29-38; 14:13-21).
During Passover he washed the feet of the disciples. He became the servant (John 13:1-17).
During his meal with the Pharisees, a woman with a dark past anointed him with expensive perfume. He didn’t complain when she interrupted his meal (Luke 7:36-38).
The only time Jesus got rude during a meal was when the Pharisees showed their horrible treatment of others (Luke 7:39-50).
When was the last time you asked your servers name? When was the last time you asked how their day was going? When was the last time you asked how you could pray for them? Give it a shot. I can almost guarantee you they will walk around the rest of the day smiling because someone served them.
What would Jesus leave a waiter?
These are the words of Max Lucado:
Encouragement to help him endure the struggles of his job.
Forgiveness despite the mismatched orders and dirty spoon.
Eternity with a spoken word or an invitation to hear more.
Thanks communicated clearly through a satisfactory gratuity of 15 to 20 percent.
What Would Jesus Tip?