More and more lately, I come across social media reels from non-Americans asking why we do certain things. One common question is, “Why do Americans tip their servers?”
It’s a fair question, especially since it seems we’re the only nation, or one of the few, that does it.
The answer may surprise you.
Here in the U.S., the federal government classifies servers as “tipped employees.” Depending on the state, this means restaurants can pay their servers as little as $2.13 an hour on the assumption that tips will make up the rest of their pay. Yes, really. Tips are the bulk of their income.
That young person who brings out your steak and refills your tea? They literally depend on your tip to help them pay rent.
This is where I pull out my soapbox; as a Christian, this is an issue I feel strongly about.
A Conversation I’ll Never Forget
Several years ago, a devoted Christian friend, one who was also a server at a popular local restaurant, shared something that’s stuck with me ever since.
She told me no one ever wanted to work the Wednesday night closing shift.
Why?
Because every week a large group from a local church would come in minutes before closing. They’d order big meals, linger over their food, make demands long after closing, and then leave without tipping.
Like I said, this wasn’t a one-time thing. It happened week after week.
Everyone at the restaurant knew exactly which church these people came from, and that church’s reputation took a serious hit. Even worse, their bad behavior hurt the reputation of Christians in general.
That was when my friend taught me a phrase I’ve never forgotten: “Church People”
It’s what the servers she worked with called “Christians” who showed up with entitled attitudes and left no tips. Some even “preached” to their servers about Jesus, but they didn’t act much like Him.
A Higher Standard
The world will do what the world is going to do. I get it.
But Christians are called to a higher standard.
When I hear someone who claims to follow Jesus say, “I only tip if I get exceptional service,” it makes my stomach turn. It’s a good thing God doesn’t hand out grace using that standard!
If we want others to see Jesus in us, we must walk like Him. We should be the kindest, most generous, most appreciative customers in the building.
Yes, even if the service is slow.
Even if the food isn’t great.
Even if we’re hangry.
It is possible to deal with issues in love rather than entitlement.
Because our witness isn’t just about the right religious words coming out of our mouths. It’s about how we treat people, all people.
So… Please…
If you’re going to be rude and demanding…
If you’re going to skip the tip…
Don’t tell your server you’re a Christian.
Don’t write a Bible verse on the receipt.
Don’t wear your Christian t-shirt to the restaurant.
Don’t ruin your witness over a few dollars.
Let’s do better.
Let’s not be known as “church people,” but as people who show the love of Jesus one generous tip at a time.
Celebrating Jesus!
Tammy C
Tip Challenge:
The next time you eat out, leave your server an extra generous tip just because you can,
and say a prayer for them as you lay it on the table.
This is so good
Such a sad issue to have to discuss but very true
Marc and I went to a restaurant a couple years ago, for lunch after Sunday service. We openly prayed over our meal. The manager came over to us afterwards and said I was so glad to see y’all pray, my employees know what time it is and they know who comes in yet they don’t see them praying over their meals. Made me sad
Oh… that IS sad! Honestly, I tend to forget that praying over my food is also a form of witnessing. Thank you for that reminder, and thank you for being a faithful woman of God. (And for commenting!)