I thought about giving this the title “Jerks” but thought that might not be very nice. Sadly, the two people who need to read this will never highly unlikely ever set eyes on it. One, because they may have trouble reading it; and two, they would probably think it has something to do with everyone else but them.
HERE WAS THE SCENARIO…
Sunday after worship we will, 99% of the time, go out to eat with some folks from the church. Sunday was no different as we made our way to a pizza buffet (yeah, I know about the waistline thingy, but I was good). Our waitress was super nice, smiled, and checked up on our drinks. In walks this couple who take a table two down from us, but facing the TV. NASACR had been on, but with the rain delay the restaurant changed it to the IU basketball game. Next thing I hear is this couple, let’s call them Frick and Frack, complaining to the waitress about how they wanted to watch the race not basketball; were going to leave; and they weren’t going to pay for their meals. So she politely tells them to give her a minute or two and she will see about changing it. From the time it takes her to get to the counter they leave…a table full of salads and pizza already put on their plates from the pizza bar.
What was embarrassing was they had come from church and he had one of those “Jesus Loves Bikers/Unchained Gang” types of jackets on. I confess: I was fuming. Not because I am always the perfect example for Jesus, but because they did that waitress wrong! Dead wrong. She didn’t change the channel from racing to basketball. She only worked there. Ironically, she had them change the station back to the race, but the “people” were already gone. When it was apparent they left and IU was still playing (and winning), one of the waitresses asked loudly if anyone cared if they turned the ballgame back on. One of our friends commented, “I thought this was a restaurant not a movie theater.”
I was appalled at that couple’s jerkness behavior. So much so that I added an extra $2.50 onto my tip to help make up for what she probably would not have lost. The couple with us added some to theirs as well.
Much is said and written about tipping and waitress-ing and church crowds. What kind of crocky example did that couple leave with her?
AS CHRIST-FOLLOWERS WE OUGHT TO BE SETTING THE STANDARD AND THE EXAMPLE, NOT TEARING ONE DOWN!
Restaurants ought to welcome church people, not dread them. I tip well. Besides the fact that many are squeaking by, if I can’t afford at least a 20% tip, then I probably shouldn’t be eating out. Any thoughts you care to share? Am I off base? Do you have any experience you can share?
You have provided a wonderful example of righteous anger, as well as a prime example of how to translate our faith as Christ follows into action. Right on (as they said in the 70s). Thanks for a great post.
Never thought about the righteous anger part. Reckon that is what it was. 🙂 Thanks Daniel for the comment.
It is a sad commentary and reflection. It is also a good reminder for us in our weaker and frustrating moments. On my drive back from TN this weekend a couple of the most reckless drivers I encountered proudly displayed their “In God we trust” license tags. Thankful I don’t have one at times or others could think same about me!
Unf, anyone can get the “IGWT” plates in Indiana. Some get them because they match their car. Besides, the other plates are ugly. You are right though Tom: it is a sad commentary. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Man, another bad example of what not to do as a Christian. Those people need a WWJD bracelet and follow it.
It’s sad how most restaurants hate people who come in after church because they know how bad the tips are. I tip at least 20 percent even if the services is not as desirable, If it’s excellent I pay more.
You state the problem Dan. I want to be different from the norm (as do you). Thanks.
You are spot on Bill.
My wife worked at a restaurant in college and you would be amazed with some of the things people try to use to get free meals.Pretty sorry if you ask me. The worst part was it happened most of the time on Sunday afternoon when the church crowd arrived…
Church people seem to be notorious for taking advantage of every loophole. I have no problem if the restaurant advertises a discount since they want the business. But even that should come with some protocol. Thanks Adam.
What a bunch of jerks.
Exactly!
You are not off base. I never knew church goers had a reputation for being cheapskates. I do feel the congrgations of America are no better or worse than the non-churchgoers. It is hard to tell the difference.
yeah, we have a rep. Unf, you state exactly what the problem is Jeff: it is hard to tell the difference. I am clamoring that there should be. Thanks for your input.
I think you are dead on Bill. There’s something to behaving above reproach for sure.
Agreed Michael. “Above reproach” is a good way to put it.
I get so embarrassed by people who act like jerks and name the name of Christ! I also know and realize that it is me sometimes. I was with a friend who worked in the food business and he was so picky. He would send food back and give the wait staff fits. I can remember adding an extra ten dollars one time because I felt so bad – I also stopped going out to eat with him and I told him why.
You were right to nip that thing in the bud and then tell him why. Hopefully it will wake him up.
To that kind of people I would say…Quit going to Church, you’re giving the rest of us a bad name.
No argument here John. Thanks.
That’s terrible. I have a friend who’s a waiter and he tells me how much the DEPEND on tips to make a decent living. They get paid crumbs and are treated poorly. I’ve always said, we should always be the best tippers, encouragers (yeah I made that word up), and people who forgive the most.
I once knew someone who tipped nothing. Said they chose that job. I was appalled and denounced that. Yeah, I was popular. 🙂 You are right though Moe. Thanks.
Something wrong with those folks if they chose NASCAR over IU basketball in your neck of the woods. A Purdue game maybe but not IU.
That says alot about grace that you all didn’t run them out of the restaurant to begin with.
😛 on both accounts. Thanks for the chuckle DJ.
Not off-base at all, Larry. One of the coolest lessons I’ve ever learned in a sermon was about tipping with grace, and treating your server the way Christ would. Do you think Jesus would say, “well, she was pretty slow in getting our food out, and she didn’t seem that happy”? I doubt it. He may very well take her tables for her, tell her to sit down, and start serving her. 🙂 I’m sad to hear about that family, and I hope that the Spirit will convict them about how they represent Christ in public.
Good point Stephen about Jesus. We need to realize people carry themselves differently and he/she may be having a tough day, or (God forbid) just had a hassle with some church people. Thanks.
Larry? 😀
wow. I’m sorry, BILL! This, my friends, is why you always check before you submit. Maybe you just look like a Larry…
Depends on whether that Larry was one of the 3 Stooges or not. 😛
I always heard that servers hated to work after Sunday service because church attenders were horrible tippers. I never really understood that. I always try to tip well (I mean, seriously, it’s like an extra few bucks). And there are times when I’ve been able to talk to our servers. One in particular asked where we went to church, since she was looking. That made me feel good.
i reckon I am hoping she will remember the two families who “rescued” her and perhaps decide some day to ask about us. That would be a cool feeling. Thanks Loren.
First of all, I respect anyone out there who works for a living. One of my good friends who I met years ago waiting on my wife and I, attends our church, made it to my daughters school play this last Saturday before work and comments on my blog on occasion.
To treat people with respect and true thankfulness is a joy from God. All we have is from God and should be used according to His will. Our God’s not short of cash. I’m with you Bill, if I can’t afford to pay the person working to make my meal enjoyable, I’m not gonna go.
I often wonder what the lost world thinks of the church people who so value money that they don’t pay the worker what’s is customary and acceptable?
I find it nauseating for Christians to treat a person with less than respect and show them the thing they value most is their money. Then if that’s not bad enough, they justify their actions with ignorant defenses.
God is gracious, not a cheapskate. With all we’ve been blessed with, we should be the first to show the world generosity, and if a person truly trusts the hand of God for their provision, they would.
Very wise words Floyd. I obviously feel the same way you do. The idea of a cheapskate God just sort of rolls me wrong. Thanks for the input.
Ouch…
Over here, people don’t interact with strangers (cashiers / waitresses / people on the street / whoever else), but I’ve hung out so much with foreigners that it became natural to smile and chat… (Granted, sometimes all I get is a startled face because those people didn’t expect me to actually notice them…)…
And I agree – I would be angry at those two as well. At our Chamber events there are people whose only objective (it seems like) is to annoy everyone else and make everyone else’s day terrible. Then there are those who are nice and understanding. Knowing that it’s much more pleasant to be on the receiving end of nice people, I try to be nice as well.
i realize cultures are different but I am glad to see that you have taken some of our talking to strangers, etc and at least smile and chat. Can’t hurt. 🙂 I certainly don’t want to be known for being a troublemaker either. Thanks Zee.
Sounds like you were more controlled than I would be. I’d be out in the parking lot telling those people they owed the waitress some money. Or writing down their license plates and giving it to the manager.
But Jesus probably would have responded more like you, just make up for it with generosity.
I’m with you in that I give 20% if I leave a tip, because I figure there’s enough people out there leaving tracts (instead of a tip) that I need to make up for it.
I thought about several things after the fact. you mention a couple. Throwing stones may have worked. Oops, did I say that? 🙂 Thanks Seth for your comment.
Frick and Track are in every church. Unfortunately.
True.
Hi Bill,
The legal case saga continues on here in Calgary at the Court of Appeal. That’s where I am right now.
I understand the issue of tipping in certain restaurants. However, there are people in all kinds of low paying jobs that serve us and that do not receive tips from us. Tipping waiters is a custom in our country that supplements wages for these workers. I’m thinking that the restaurant should be paying these workers a decent wage instead. Tipping used to be for a waiter who provided excellent service to a table. Now, tipping is a requirement. The customer has to pay for the waiter’s work so to speak in the restaurant.
I guess my thought is what about the cleaner? the dishwasher? the cook? Should we be tipping these workers as well? Although I think that some restaurants divy up all the tips between the staff at the end of the day, my thought is I’m not interested in going out to eat at those kind of places. They’re cheapskate places, and unkind to their workers. Boycott them in my mind. Let the rich pay for these kinds of services, not us regular people.
I think we’re too willing to spend our money. Too willing to pretend that we have money. Too willing to think that we can afford to be eating out at these kinds of restaurants. Just my 2 cents.
We’re paying for the rich to indulge themselves in our respective countries. Let the rich bear their costs for these luxuries. Let’s eat at home or in places where we don’t have to dig down to the bottom of our pockets in order to have something to eat.
I’m on another tear today it appears Bill 🙂
I agree with you Linda about many who do low paying jobs and never see any remuneration. Many restaurants pay very minimum wage to servers and then expect the tips to make up for what they don’t pay. Still praying for your case. Thanks.
thank you for praying for me Bill.
I’m with you Bill–I’m always appalled when I see people act so rudely, especially in restaurants. Some of my friends are waiters, and they live on their tips–so I always make an effort to tip well when I go out to eat. It’s such a fast paced/thankless job (most of the time)..a little courtesy goes a long way.
Having someone in it opens our eyes a lot Jon. Glad you see it. You’re right about a little courtesy. Thanks.
Oh my gosh, that is apalling, but unfortunately, not surprising. That is exactly the type of behavior that keeps people from going to church or wanting to be around christians, I’ve heard this from several friends/family….well, frick & frack act like this, they’re christians & if that’s what being a christian is like, then I don’t want any part of it. Sad, so sad. Those of us who are not Frick & Frack must remember to live our lives to please God and to be shining examples of his love. Not easy in this world together, but that’s what we are called to do. Ha….I had an experience with one of those “In God We Trust” plate drivers….I just had to shake my head & wonder. Great post Bill!
Good to hear from you Jan. It most definitely reflects on the rest of us when Frick & Frack wear out their welcome. Good thoughts from you. Thanks.
This kind of stuff drives me crazy too, Bill. I don’t understand how anyone (much less a Christian) can justify that kind of behavior. We do need real revival (and maybe more than a few need a true salvation experience with Jesus first).
The attempt at justification escapes me also Jason. you may not be far off in your salvation assessment. Thanks for coming by.
you handled it with grace and compaassion. Me, I would have chased down that couple and dragged them back into the restaurant and made them publicly apologize to the waitress and everybody else. Oh, and I would have told them to tip her generously.
The sad part of the complainers is they were not real CHristians. Just free loaders that had a way not to pay their bill. I am sure they did eat some of the meal and are gloating over weasleling out of the bil. Not all NASCAR fans are that way. I doubt seriously if the were real NASCAR fans. Definitely not Christians but only pretend Christians.