A series of unusual occurrences has caught the attention of the media over the past months. It appears that certain individuals have been roaming all around the United Sates, patronizing different restaurants, and leaving intriguingly generous tips. This is not about just $50 tips. Consider the following examples: $1,000 tip for a $265.96 bill, $5,000 for $164.50, and $10,000 (yes, $10,000!) for $2,979.42. The words “@tipsforJesus” is written on every receipt. Photos of many of the receipts have been posted online at an Instagram account.
A restaurant owner indicated how they were initially suspicious of the overly generous tip. But when they billed the credit card, it went through. It was not a scam. The tip was real. The tippers are spreading a lot of goodwill and are making a lot of waiters very, very happy.
One can only speculate what the motivations of these tippers are. For no one knows who they are. It may be safe to suggest that the actions of these anonymous tippers seem to be propelled by a certain commitment to Jesus and his teachings, especially about giving. In the Instagram account’s page is the tag line: “Doing the Lord’s work, one tip at a time.”
When Jesus first sent his twelve disciples on mission, one of the instructions he gave them was, “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10.8 NIV). The generosity of the mystery tippers does embody what it means to “freely give.” So far there is no indication that they are seeking some kind of return for their deeds.
Then there is the matter of their anonymity. Yes, their actions have become public knowledge. But their identity remains a mystery. Perhaps it will remain that way. This reminds me of what Jesus said about good deeds: “Be careful not to display your righteousness merely to be seen by people. Otherwise you have no reward with your Father in heaven … But when you do your giving, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matthew 6.1, 3 NET).
Finally, as they bless others in the name of Christ, one may assume that thanksgiving is offered up to God. “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God” (2 Corinthians 9.12 NIV).
Christmas. It is often called the season of giving. And these mystery tippers provide a tangible example of God-like selfless giving that goes beyond the exchanging of gifts with which we are so accustomed. Perhaps, even in our own little way, we can do the same.
—Keith Y. Jainga