HAROLD KELLER

Walk the walk, not just talk, in showing Christian living All born-again Christians have a responsibility to be a witness for Christ. I’ve heard it said that when being a witness, use words only when necessary. The message is that our walk speaks louder than any words. Our witness should be based on attraction, rather than promotion. People should be impressed with our daily walk and not only our Sunday performance at church. Speaking of Sunday and church services, many people choose to eat out on this day. Are you aware of what waiters and waitresses say about most Christians they serve? Do you have any idea how much they dread waiting on tables after church on Sunday, or any day, when there is a group with big Bibles under their arms, seldom pausing long enough to smile or say thank you? That’s pretty bad, but even worse is to leave a tip that is more of an insult than a generous expression of gratitude. Over the years, I’ve asked a few restaurant owners, waiters and waitresses about their experiences with Christians they serve. Their response was that they are usually loud, lack good table manners, are very demanding and, yes, stingy with their tips. (Keep in mind, there are exceptions to every rule.) A few have even said, sarcastically, “Then, they have the nerve to leave a tract (Christian reading material) at the table!” In my informal research on this subject, one restaurant owner told me of a Christian group of three who entered the restaurant 15 minutes before closing time. They each had a folder which gave the impression they were there to discuss business with their meal. Did they order a meal? Not hardly. One ordered a dessert, and they all ordered a cup of hot water. They stayed one hour after closing time and left when it was evident the owner and employees were ready to go home. Why the three cups of hot water? They had each brought their own tea bags. Hard to believe? That’s what the owner said. To the hired help, it was business as usual, when you take the risk of serving some Christians. Is every Christian guilty? Certainly not! If you are one who is thoughful, gracious, kind and leave a generous tip, keep it up! If you are not, I pray this article will make you more conscious that people are always looking at your actions. HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at (985) 652-8477, or write to P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, La. 70084.