Today I read an article which featured a photograph of a dinner ticket. The ticket showed an automatic gratuity scratched through and a note that read, "I give God only 10%, why should I give you 18%?" It was signed with the title Pastor in front of the patron's name.
The waiter who posted the photo on Reddit noted that the group of people whom he waited on were very congenial and polite. He said that the gratuity was added because the group included over 20 people, a standard practice at many restaurants.
Comments on the article, comments from a section of people who represent all of America and even some international readers, shed light on a majority view of Christians, and therefore Christianity.
Most of the comments said something to the effect of, "Way to be an example of Christ, who you claim to revere," and "This is why most people don't like Christianity anymore, because most Christians give it a bad name."
Misrepresenting God is what I believe these Christians are doing. No matter your view on tithing, Christians are called to serve and to love our neighbors. This note on the dinner ticket showed neither a servant's heart nor a loving heart.
And, that is why most people aren't attracted to my faith anymore. We Christians are not perfect and we are not supposed to be, but when mistakes are made on purpose, with authority, mistakes that misrepresent Christ and his ways, most people are not only going to be repelled by our faith, but in turn, they will be repelled by our God.
For what God could condone such arrogance and discharity? This is but a small reminder of the more grave actions Christians have taken in the name of God.
My God does not withold a tip from worthy waiter or even one who had a bad day. My God calls on us to reach out with love to such among us. My God does not hate gay people, or Muslim people, or atheists. My God calls on us to reach out with love to such among us.
There is a movement in the Christian faith to "love the sinner, hate the sin." I ask this: If we spend so much time trying to discern everyone's sins, to 'point them in the right direction,' how much time and energy are we investing in loving them?
People's sins are between them and God. Period. I was called to love God and to love others.
When I was going through my divorce and I felt abandoned by certain religious people, I expressed this to a very devout Christian friend. She said, "Well, you are loved here."
That is what all of us should be saying to each other. You are loved here. That's the message that first attracted us to God. That's the message that will represent Him to others.
To all of my friends and family and acquaintances, in my heart, you are loved here.
