AT LEAST + 40% = BANANAS
K
I still remember it vividly—one of those conversations that clings to your spirit like wet laundry on a rainy day.
A few years ago, one of my mentors—let’s call him K—shared about a brother who financially supported the Christian organization K is leading. Sounds noble, right? But here’s the twist: if I’m understanding correctly, this brother didn’t seem very devoted to Christ. In fact, he appeared more devoted to money—possibly working in ways misaligned with his true calling and God-given passions.
I gently raised a concern—not about his wallet, but his soul. I worried about the man’s spiritual health. But K brushed it off with a line I’ll never forget:
“At least he’s willing to give—better than those who don’t/won’t.”
That “at least…” still sends chills down my spine.
Imagine if Jesus had said:
* “At least the Pharisees honor God with their lips.” (Matthew 15:7–9)
* “At least the Pharisees pray.” (Matthew 6:5–6)
* “At least the demon-possessed man bowed before me.” (Mark 5:6–7)
* “At least the rich young man kept the commandments.” (Luke 18:21–22)
* “At least the crowds followed me.” (John 6:26–27)
Honestly, that gives me chills.
To me, the holistic well-being of a person matters far more than the size of their donation. I’ve been taught that in God’s kingdom, the invisible intention behind an act matters more than the visible act itself.
Scripture is crystal clear about this. Throughout the Gospels, two people can perform the same external deed and receive very different responses from Jesus.
Take Judas and Zacchaeus, for example:
Judas Iscariot said, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?” (John 12:1–8)
Zacchaeus said, “I give half of my possessions to the poor.” (Luke 19:1–10)
To Judas, Jesus replied: “Leave her alone. She has done a beautiful thing.”
To Zacchaeus, He declared: “Today salvation has come to this house.”
The same external language—radically different spiritual weight. Why? Because God sees beyond what is done to why it is done.
Scripture consistently reveals this truth across time:
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
— 1 Samuel 16:7
“God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”
— John 4:24
“First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.”
— Matthew 23:26
This isn’t a one-off principle. It’s the unwavering character of God—yesterday, today, and forever. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s standard has always been clear: He desires hearts that are true, not just hands that are active.
Y
Then there’s my other mentor—Y—who often tried to convince (or gently brainwash) those around her with her life motto:
“In life, I only aim for 40 points.” (人生祇求40分)
Yes, you heard that right. 40% effort is enough.
If my late mother—may she rest in peace—knew I was putting only 40% effort into reaching my full God-given potential, she’d probably leap from her coffin and whack me with the Chinese proverb:
“Not as good as those above, but better than those below.” （比上不足，比下有餘）
To be clear, my mother wasn’t expecting perfection or 100% results—she was asking for 100% effort, the fullest expression of who I could become. That’s what I understand as potential: not flawlessness, but faithfulness to become the person God created you to be.
My mother’s principle echoes St John’s vision:
“Because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
— Revelation 3:15–16
Let’s be real: if God had applied the “only aim for 40%” standard when designing our DNA during creation, we might have ended up as bananas. Literal bananas. (Yes, plants—not even animals. Go ahead and picture it—I can’t. I’d have gone bananas, you’d have gone delulu, and God? He’d be up there going muahaha.)
Jesus doesn’t shy away from confronting appearances that lack substance:
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
— Matthew 7:22–23
K & Y
Now, don’t get me wrong—I don’t believe K or Y are evil. On the contrary, I truly believe they are caring, sincere people. I’ve seen their love and generosity in action. Maybe I’m naïve—or maybe, as my another (narcissistic?) mentor D once said, they’re just Good-Intentional Idiots—but I’d rather assume goodness than pass judgment.
Still, their words left a mark. And yet—who am I to judge? Their journey of growth is not mine to police. How could a student instruct their mentor? What blasphemy that would be! (Okay, maybe I need to place my hand on my heart!)
As for me, I’m called to focus on my own path. To love deeply. To stay awake. To speak truth with compassion. And to share whatever wisdom I’ve been entrusted with, with those who cross my path.
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.”
— Matthew 22:37–38
God calls us to love with our ALL—not “40%,” not “at least…”
And if I ever forget that, may a banana-shaped version of myself appear in my dreams and remind me what happens when we settle for lukewarm. (Pretty sure that’s how Minions came into existence.)
