something i have noticed for a while now, its something that i admire and hope that i can portray myself.
the christian men that i am friends with value relationships over money. of course they should, that is what they are called to do. They are called to have higher standards, to not store up their treasures on earth but in heaven. but while this may be common sense, i see it constantly through their actions. They wont hesitate to take up the bill, pay for you when you are behind them in line, or purchase something that the both of you can share.
Even when i try to pay them back, they dont want it, they dont care for it, they rather spend time fostering the relationship than worrying about how much you owe them.
j.ching will constantly pick up the tab for juniors, may it be during junior fellowship meetings, or at all you can eat ribs at montanas. He will voluntarily pay for everyone, and will not take any payments in return, perhaps he views it as some what as an offering, which is admirable either way.
the other day during CPR training, e. lau and i went to this new burrito place at the corner of eglinton and dixie, which is quite good to be honest. i was behind him in line, and he decides that hes going to pay for mine as well. ill grab the next one i say, who knows when that is going to be. i will get him the next time i say to myself. yet when we studied at coffee culture, he went and ordered a drink, and came back with a cake which he wanted to share with me. did i need to pay him back? no. did he expect me to? no. simply wanted to try a piece of cake, but share it with me. as he spent time talking and sharing about his faith to the other customers and to the staff. fostering the relationships rather than spending time in a personal, obviously more comfortable bubble.
m. quach will often take the bill, offer to spot someone, not asking for anything in return. he will pay for something, ill pay for the next. the exact amount doesnt matter, every penny does not count, our money doesnt belong to us. he doesnt work, hes not made out of money, and yet he often remembers that the money isnt his, its Gods. its one thing to spend money on frugal, superficial, and expensive items, but to help a brother or sister out, spend time with these people, always seems more important.
its encouraging to see this in Christian men who are actively searching after Gods heart. But then i look at the boys today, the boys who are growing up in juniors. and i am often disappointed with how worldly their minds are with how much they treasure money.
when we go on mall rallys for charities, or grocery runs for the hungry, their first thought isnt how can i help those who are in need, but rather how can i use this money to buy something for me: gum, candy, chips, fries. i have seen friendships put on the line, because of a toonie or loonie. its heart breaking to see them value money so much. i cant help but wonder at what age do they turn into the men that i listed above, at what point in time to they realize that money wont fill any void, and wont give them everything that need.
There are times where i beam with pride and joy, where i see them asking questions, and leading the fellowship. Where i see them actively searching after Gods heart and fostering relationships in the fellowship. i constantly pray for them, hoping that God will continue to change their hearts and make them leaders of the church.
just a few rambles.
