Responsiblities of a young man

I was talking to my sis about relationships n stuff and she told me to write this blog post cos there will be some younger readers reading abt this, so here it goes..

I remember when I was about 21-ish years old, as older boys we will seriously start thinking about the future. Besides discussing about girls, we will begin saving up for the future. Things my father did which I don't know, I will start learning about it.

CHORES

Things like how to call the mechanic, how to change tyres, do housework, cook, place bank FD, take phone messages.

FINANCES

Going further, insurance planning, savings and maybe some knowledge in investment & others: housing loans, car loans, calculation of paying off study loan, how much it costs to prepare for marriage, how to spend & save adequately. Know what are true assets & liabilities, you'll be surprised.

If very much interested in finance - value investing & property investment. Do you know what is the miracle (or disaster if it's a loan) of compounded interest?

Challenging our views of the world to change from me-centric to also providing for others. How much to save ar, enough to survive on it for minimum 6 months. (let's say you need $1,000/mth, should have at least an untouchable $6,000)

MINISTRY

Ministry-wise, especially for some of my friends, some will begin drifting away, but for those who stayed, they started grooming people, which is such a huge challenge because we have no experience whatsoever. Also learning to see the bigger picture from working together or chatting with adults. learning to serve where you are placed, not because of peer or romantic influence.

FRIENDSHIPS

who are your close circle of friends, they will have a significant influence to your perspective, priorities & responsibilities. do you still maintain friendships with non-christians and bring Christ to them when the opportunity arises; if no opportunity, do you still care for them sincerely. what are your common topics with close friends, do they bring edification to yourself and others.


LADIES

i guess the fundamental issue is that firstly, they are the special species. i need to understand why they deserve to be served first before i serve myself.

secondly, seek to understand them. it's a never-ending journey, period.

thirdly, which most of us neglect, value them. Value their thoughts, value the way they do things, the way they express themselves, their perspective. by then appreciation naturally develops.

examine the way you treat the ladies in your family =P

INTERACTION

After understanding your parent well enough, start understanding other adults around you. Be able to hold meaningful conversations with adults, adults who are in their 30s, 40s, 50-70s, single adults, married adults, married adults with children, retired adults.

Next, children & teenagers. Same as above, be able to bring yourself up/down to their level. The best level for conversation is at the same level, whether in status or physical; if little children are too short, bend slightly or even squat down when you speak to them. If they are bigger children or teenagers, hold them up the respect you would give an adult but interact at their level.

Learn to treat people of different status & races with respect. How do you think of the college's janitor & the Dean shouldn't be too different.


CONTENTMENT

This will affect your lifestyle - know the difference between joy & happiness, and make up your mind which one you want more.


SIGNIFICANCE

it would be good time to find out what contributes substantially to your personal significance & check its value against eternity. Check what are links between your passion, talents & significance. Slowly extend your contribution to add to the significance of others.




bla bla... so if u're around 19-22 yrs old as a young adults, i would encourage you to continue reading the bible, applying its principle, n learn to discern the guidance of the holy spirit.

And on another personal note, do read up Dale Carnegie's "How to win friends & influence people" and start applying its important principles too. It's like a masters degree in people skills.

I'm still learning even as i'm writing these.. Cheerios~ there is hope for the masculine