Tips for Jesus

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
1 Peter 2:12 (NIV UK) 

When Tammy and I go out for a nice dinner, if the service is good, I like to leave a large tip. I love to see the look of surprise the waiter or waitress has when they see something they weren’t expecting. But when I heard about something called Tips for Jesus, I was the one who was surprised. 

Over the last few months, an anonymous patron has been leaving enormous tips across the United States—$5,000 in Washington, $1,000 in San Francisco—the list goes on and on. Over the last six months, this anonymous tipster has left over $130,000 in gratuity. And at the bottom of each receipt, the words “Tips for Jesus” are stamped in bright red ink.  Isn’t that amazing? 

I think the mystery tipster may have been on to something when he made an explicit link between overwhelming generosity and the Christian faith. It’s as if he recognised the power of God’s amazing blessings in his own life and actively sought to make that power knowable to as many people as he could. In the New Testament Paul writes: “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). 

We are blessed every day by God’s mercy and grace in ordinary and sometimes extraordinary ways. And just like this mystery tipster realized, there will be opportunities to pass some of God’s bounty on to others. By being channels of his blessings we join with Jesus in reminding other the good news of God’s overwhelming love for all. 

Perhaps in this next week or so you might look for opportunities to pass on some of God’s blessings with a smile, a helping hand or even a donation. Who knows, it might be the waiter or waitress serving you who could use a reminder of the free grace of God with a generous tip. 

Prayer
Holy Father, so many who do good in this life seek recognition for their good deeds. Help us to seek to do good, but at the same time realise that the only recognition we need is from you. Let our actions for good be done quietly, anonymously, done to you because that is the calling you have given us; that service to one another is recognised and honoured by you as service to you. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen 

Study by Joseph Tkach

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About the Author:
Joseph Tkach is the President of Grace Communion International (the Denominational name of The Worldwide Church of God UK), and resides in California, USA.
You are welcome to attend one of our local Church congregations located throughout the UK and Ireland. For details of your nearest local congregation, check on our website, www.gracecom.uk under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.

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