The Waiter Rule

“But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’”

– Jonah 2:9

Every so often, we come across one of those feel-good stories about a diner who leaves a huge gratuity for their server. For example, several years ago the media reported that a famous businessman had added $10,000 to his modest $82 meal tab.

“How you treat your waiter or waitress reveals a lot about your character,” he explained. “So don’t forget to leave a big tip.”

He called this principle his Waiter Rule, and it’s real food for thought with considerable biblical support. As Christ-followers, our faith grows as we reflect God’s ways for living in the world and changing it for his Kingdom. Gratitude and generosity are two of the character traits that we should demonstrate along the way. And that’s especially relevant since we in 21^st century America are extremely rich — at least when compared to other nations. According to World Poverty Statistics 2024, about 1.3 billion people (26% of the global population) experience moderate poverty, which is defined as living on between $1.90 and $3.20 per day.

That statistic should put our own financial situation — bleak or otherwise — into perspective. Millions of Americans may be unemployed, on welfare, or receiving food stamps. But we should be grateful that even that reflects incredible wealth against the backdrop of the crushing poverty found in sub-Saharan Africa, India, and even Brazil. So how are we “millionaires” to respond with our relative riches?

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment,” answers the apostle Paul. “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”

It’s a reminder that we can never out-give God with our money and resources. But we can positively impact our friends, neighbors, and strangers by being grateful for — and generous with — the riches God gives us. Let’s consider these two reasons behind this principle:

First, it brings joy to others. That’s because we’re thinking more about the recipient than ourselves. And second, it brings joy to God. That’s because he loves a cheerful giver, and we become more like him when we’re generous to others. As John 3:16 reminds us, our Creator happens to be the ultimate GIVER of the greatest gift of all:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, 
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”