Talking to Pastor Silas of Scarborough Chinese Bible Church, he notes the paradigm shift that God invites his people into – from getting ahead and making lots of money to seeing money as something that can be used for the kingdom of God.
It’s often expected in Chinese culture to take your job seriously and to pursue wealth.
So there is this necessary transition from Chinese values to Christian values.
Like any cultural shift, this isn’t easy.
However, Pastor Silas has been witness to the power of God among his own congregation over the years.
Most of the church members are not highly paid professionals and yet they give generously.
They aim to plant a new church every 2 to 3 years.
They send money to overseas missions.
They support orphans all around the world.
They support prison ministry in Honduras.
Even with COVID, their offerings have stayed strong.
Understanding Chinese cultural values, Pastor Silas knows that this sort of generosity is evidence of transformation of people and cultural values that can only be done by the Spirit of God.
1 Peter 2:9 says that we are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people” who sing the praises of God who has called us out of darkness into his marvellous light.
This is just another picture of that marvellous light.
Thanks be to God.
Photo credits: Lead Krozjhen (Unsplash)