A guest post by @MikeStiner

I currently work for a restaurant in Macomb Michigan called Shield’s Pizza.  I do that to help pay for my schooling.  I’m also on volunteer director of student ministry at my church (grades sixth through twelve).

I enjoy my job at Shields, well, most of the time.  Many say that being a server is one of the worst jobs because of the people that you have do deal with.  I understand that, but I also find many of the people fun and entertaining.

The other night was no exception.

I have always heard stories from other waitresses about them getting what they call “gospel cards.”  They are cards/booklets that “Christians” leave on a table, accompanied by a sub-par tip, that state I am a sinner and need to repent.  I always laughed when I heard these stories, because I had not seen these cards left behind before at a table.

Tonight was the night.  I had a couple at this table that were pretty nice.  The husband liked to joke around with me a little a bit, and the wife was pretty quiet.  The time came for me to give the table their bill.  As I came back to see if they had prepared to give the bill pack, with their PAYMENT only inside, the husband asked me a question.

“Have you ever seen a life or death card?”  Immediately I thought he was about to introduce some kind life insurance policy.  I said no, and honestly didn’t know if I wanted to.

He showed me the card.

Print on the front was the verse: “The wages of sin is DEATH. The gift of God is eternal LIFE.”

Then he slid it on top of the money that was on top of the bill and said, “Hear ya go, and you can keep the change.”

I did not even want to tell him that I basically worked for a church and that I did indeed follow Jesus.

To be honest, more influential than his “get saved now or your going to hell” card was the sub-par tip that he’d placed under the card.

I can tell you that the last thing some waitress/waiter wants to see is these “Get saved cards” with a crappy tip.  Invite me to your church and try and build a relationship with me; do not just hand me some card.  Not only that, but the card is misleading about what it really means to truly follow Jesus.  Jesus is much bigger than a “business card.”

If you are a Christian who is reading this and you have a card ready whenever you go to a restaurant let me give you a little “tip” about what will speak louder than your “Gospel Card.”   Be respectful and very kind, be courteous and talkative, and leave a great tip.  That will speak more to your server about Jesus than some card with a crappy tip right underneath it.  This is coming from a Christian, and what I have seen and heard from non-Christian wait staff.