10. Manna issue 56 - Office Relationships Series: King Darius, the Secular Boss 職場關係系列：大利烏王，世俗主管
Office Relationships Series:
King Darius, the Secular Boss Lessons
we can learn from Daniel and his work environment.
職場關係系列：
大利烏王，世俗老闆課程
我們可從但以理及其工作環境學習
—Elizabeth, New Jersey, USA 美國紐澤西
Working in the world often involves working under a secular boss,
which entails making decisions and handling problems in secular ways.
These “secular ways” may not go against the teachings of the Bible,
but when they do, they become challenges to us in our workplace.
在世上工作常會遇到聽命於世俗上司，
那就需要以世俗的方式做決定和處理問題。
這些“世俗的方式”或許不違背聖經的教導，
但有違背的時候，他們就成為我們職場的挑戰。
It is tough when we are faced with decisions
that test our faith on a day-today basis.
Most of the time, these trials may be subtle and harmless at first glance.
What we tend to forget is
that Satan often masks himself to be very appealing and innocuous
and slowly leads us astray from the truth.
事實會很艱難，當我們要面對做決定時，
那會考驗日常生活時的信心。
大多數時候，這些試驗乍看之下可能很細微，也無傷大雅。
但我們容易忘記的是，
撒旦常偽裝自已很吸引人而且無害，
並慢慢引我們離開真理走偏。
THE DILEMMA 二難
If you are blessed enough to have an understanding supervisor,
it’s usually not a problem to not participate in anything against your beliefs.
On the other hand, if your boss has little to no respect for your beliefs,
it creates many opportunities to compromise and make decisions
that go against your morals or beliefs.
It seems that spiritual growth often involves sacrificing career success.
如果你很幸運，遇到一位通情達理的主管，
情況通常就不會有問題，不參加任何違背你信仰的活動。
另一方面，如果你老闆很少或不尊重你的信仰，
這就出現許多機會，要去妥協及去決定，
是否那會違背你自身道德或信仰。
看起，屬靈成長常會遇到犧牲事業成就。
Living up to Your Ethics 恪守道德準則
Most career websites will advise you to steer clear of unethical practices
because it will come back to bite you in the end.
A common logical solution to immoral conduct
is to back up every incident with documented evidence
and maintain an ethical and professional attitude at work.
大多數求職網站會建議你遠離不道德的行為，
因為最終那會回頭反噬你。
應對不道德行為的一種常見合理的辦法是，
就是備好每次事件的書面證據，
並在工作中保持合乎道德且專業的態度。
If all else fails, careerbuilder.com recommends the following:
“After analyzing the political landscape in your company,
if you decide the game is one you can’t play, prepare to move on.
It’s not typical, but some organizations actually condone
—even promote
—dishonest, ruthless or unethical behavior.
The game of office politics in this situation is not one worth winning.”
如果其他方法都行不通，careerbuilder.com 建議如下：
“在分析了你公司內部權力的生態後，
如果你覺得這是你玩不下去的一場遊戲，那就準備離開。
雖然這種情況並不常見，但有些組織實際上會縱容
—甚至會鼓勵
—不誠實，冷酷無情或不道德的行為。
在這種情況下，職場政治遊戲不值得玩。”
Living up to Your Religion 恪守實的宗教信仰
This is sound advice coming from a secular and moral point of view.
Most people who aren’t consumed with the desire for power and money
want to work for a company that makes ethical decisions.
As Christians, there is no question
that our career should be ethically based.
這是來自世俗及道德角度的合理建議。
大多數並沒有被權力及金錢的慾望所驅使，
都想要為一家會做出合理決策的公司工作。
作為基督徒，毫無疑問的，
我們的職涯應以有合理的基礎。
But in addition, we who seek to abide by the truth face a dilemma
that covers a much wider spectrum of circumstances,
ranging from something that is straightforward,
such as working on the Sabbath,
to something that falls in the gray zone,
such as participating in office politics or gossip.
但此外，我們這尋求遵守真理的人，還面臨一種兩難，
這個困境涵蓋了更廣泛的情況，
其範圍從一些很直接的事情，
例如在安息日工作，
到一些處於灰色地帶的事情，
例如參與職場政治或閒話。
To put in the extra effort that will earn recognition in front of our managers,
do we forgo Sabbath once in a while without inquiring if Sunday was a possibility?
To maintain a pleasant working atmosphere and camaraderie among fellow coworkers,
do we indulge in office gossip or take sides in trivial office politics?
Do our colleagues know not to tell dirty jokes in front of us
because we are Christian?
為了在管理者之前付出額外努力得到認可，
我們是否會偶爾跳過安息日，卻沒詢問是否週日可以上班？
為了在同事間維持愉快的工作氛圍和友誼，
我們是否熱衷職場閒話或在微小辦公室政治有所偏袒？
我們的同事是否知道在我們面前不要說黃色笑話，
因為我們是基督徒？
Although it is easy to put the dos and don’ts of being ethical in writing,
it is not always easy to put them into action
when we encounter a difficult situation.
Therefore, it is important to equip ourselves with God’s teachings
to prepare for common and uncommon circumstances.
雖然寫下道德規範的規則很容易，
但要付諸實踐就不容易了，
由其是我們遇到困難的時候。
因此，用神的教導裝備自己就很重要了，
以預備應對各種常見和怪異的情況。
One Bible character whom we often turn to as an example
of maintaining a strong faith
while working successfully in the world is Daniel.
Let’s look into how he dealt with his secular boss and colleagues.
我們常以一位聖經人物為例，
來維持堅固的信心，
在世俗生活取得成功的就是但以理。
讓我們來看看他如何應對自已世俗的主管和許多同事。
LESSONS FROM DANIEL 但以理留下的教導
Daniel was a successful governor and one of King Darius’ elite.
King Darius was a great boss
who respected and favored Daniel above his colleagues.
But spiritually,
King Darius did not know the one true God
and consequently signed a decree
that was at odds with Daniel’s belief.
但以理是一位成功的總督，也是大利烏王的精英之一。
大利烏王是一位很偉大的老闆，
他尊重疼愛但以理超過他很多的同事。
但屬靈上，
大利烏王不認識獨一真神，
並因此簽署一項法令，
那與但以理的信仰衝突。
The decree stated
that for thirty days anyone who petitioned to any god or man
except for King Darius
would be cast into the den of lions.
Even though the king did not mean any harm,
he did not understand Daniel’s beliefs
and endangered both Daniel’s career and physical life.
法令規定，
在三十天內，凡任何人向神或人祈求，
除了大利烏王以外，
都會被丟進獅子坑。
儘管國王並無惡意，
但他不了解但以理的信仰，
卻危及了但以理的職涯和肉體生命。
Put God Above the Boss 以神為先，而且老闆
Daniel could have made it easy for himself
and bowed down to the king during those thirty days.
However, he chose to go against the decree
and continue to offer prayers and thanks to his God.
Daniel put full faith in God
and did not worry about what his colleagues would think
or what the consequences would be.
但以理本可輕易對待自己，
只要在那三十天內向國王下拜。
然而，他卻選擇違抗王令，
繼續獻上祈禱及感恩給祂的神。
但以理完全信賴神，
並不擔心自已同僚的想法，
也不擔心會發生的後果。
When faced with such a situation,
whom do we choose? God or mammon?
Sometimes, we waver
and choose God only when it is easy and convenient
—only when it requires no sacrifice.
But the Bible states it is impossible to serve both God and mammon
(Mt 6:24).
面對這一種情況時，
我們該選擇誰呢？是神還是金錢？
有時，我們會動搖，
選擇神只在容易方便的時候，
—只在事情無需付出任何犧牲時。
但聖經說，要同時事奉神又事奉金錢是不可能的。
（太 6：24）
We need to be unconditionally certain about the one we serve,
not only when the timing is right.
When faced with a dilemma like Daniel’s,
we must acknowledge in our hearts
that any raise or promotion in a career is temporary,
but the treasure we store in heaven
by honoring and worshipping God is eternal.
我們需要篤定無疑自已事奉的獨一真神，
不僅是在好時機時。
當面對像但以理那樣的兩難時，
我們在內心必須認知，
任何職業加薪或晉升都是暫時的，
而我們積攢在天上的財寶，
由榮耀和敬拜神而來的可以永恆。
Daniel was willing to suffer the consequences
of disobeying the king’s command.
As a result, he was thrown into the den of lions.
但以理甘願承受後果，
不順從國王的命令。
結果，他被丟進了獅子坑。
However, Daniel’s faith in God had a solid foundation
that made his decision both effortless and immovable.
He was completely confident
that God would take care of him in life or death
and was content with the fact that it could go either way.
然而，但以理對神的信心根基穩固，
那下定他的決定毫不費力又堅定不移。
他完全很相信，
無論生死，神都會照顧他，
並且坦然接受這種現實，事情可能走向二種道路。
When we are asked to choose God or mammon, let us choose God.
Put God above the boss.
當我們受要求去選擇神或金錢時，讓我們去選擇神。
把神置於老闆之上。
Don’t Compromise Your Beliefs 別妥協信仰
To refrain from compromise during a trying time
is a very difficult thing to do.
Daniel’s attitude is exemplary
because it reminds us
how important it is to do what is biblically correct and stand by it.
在試驗時期要堅持不妥協，
是一件非常艱難去完成的事。
但以理的態度就可以效法，
因為它提醒我們，
要遵守聖經正確的教導並堅持下去到底有多麼重要。
He did not say,
“I know God is the only God in my life.
The important thing is that I believe it in my heart,
because God can see my heart.
I’ll just follow the decree to keep the others quiet.
In doing so, I can save my life to continue working for God.”
他沒有說，
“我知道神是我生命的獨一真神。
重要的是我內心相信這事，
因為神可洞察我的內心。
我只要遵守誡命，去讓其他人閉嘴。
如此行，我才能拯救自已的性命，去繼續為神工作。”
On the surface, this train of thought may seem wise,
but on a deeper, more fundamental level,
it is distorting two basic truths:
there is only one true God,
and we should not worship any other god.
If a Christian cannot exhibit through actions what is in his heart,
then his faith is truly dead
(Jas 2:17).
在表面上，這一脈絡的想法可能似手很聰明，
更一深層來看，到更基本層面來看，
它扭曲了兩項基本真理：
只有獨一真神，
我們不該敬拜任何其他神祇。
若一位基督徒不能透過行動來展現自已內心的信仰，
那麼他的信仰就真的死了。
（雅 2：17）
In addition, because Daniel held such a high position and was favored by the king,
his colleagues were envious and plotted against him.
Without letting pride over his status drive a need to be vindicated,
he willingly submitted to authorities
and let God have full control of his future.
We should not dwell on how unfairly we’ve been treated,
but let God handle those who wrong us.
此外，由於但以理身居這樣的高位，又深受國王寵愛，
他許多同僚就心生嫉妒，密謀陷害他。
他沒有因驕傲而超越自己地位，驅使慾望想自證清白，
他甘願順服掌權者，
讓神來完全掌握自已的未來。
我們不應糾結於自己是如何受到不公平待遇，
而該讓神處置那些虧待我們的人。
Having the faith and courage to stand up for what we believe in,
instead of cowardly compromising to save face,
can only come from the power and mercy of God.
擁有自己的信心和勇氣，來堅守自已所深信的信仰，
而不是為了保全顏面而懦弱妥協，
只能來自神的力量和慈悲。
God is faithful
and He will not give us anything that we cannot bear,
but we cannot just wait and do nothing
and expect God to take care of our problems.
We need to seek God’s guidance through tribulations and failure
and remember to praise and give glory to Him
when we garner recognition and success.
神是信實的，
祂不會給我們任何無法承擔的苦難，
但我們不能只是等待，而無所事事，
並指望神來解決我們的問題。
我們需要求神的指引穿越苦難和失敗，
並且記住要讚美祂，榮耀祂，
當我們獲得認可和成功時。
For Daniel, there was no dilemma.
He was in the king’s high graces
because he had an “excellent spirit” within him.
He didn’t step on anyone to get there
nor did he ever compromise his beliefs
to appear more desirable to the king.
對但以理而言，根本沒有困難。
他深受國王寵愛，
因為他內心有“美好的靈性”。
他沒有踩著任何人往上爬到那高位，
他也沒有曾經妥協自己的信仰，
為了看起來能得到更多國王的寵愛。
Stay on Top of Spiritual Cultivation 持續靈修
The king’s decree did not stop Daniel’s custom
of praying to God three times a day.
He chose to accept the consequences rather than bow down to man.
We must follow Daniel’s example
and cultivate our spirituality
so that the decision to sacrifice secular gain
for things that are eternal is an easy one to make.
王令並沒有阻止但以理的習慣，
每日三次去禱告神。
他選擇接受後果，也不願跪拜人。
我們必須效法但以理的榜樣，
培養自已的靈性，
這樣，犧牲世俗利益的決定，
為了得到永恆的事物，就是一項更容易做到的決定。
Daniel’s life of prayer is evident
in the decisions he made in his career.
He was very successful,
and he knew God gave him his success.
He did not once doubt or get frustrated
when his colleagues plotted to have him terminated.
He remained peaceful and gave thanks and supplication to God.
但以理禱告生活很明顯，
可見於他職涯中做了許多決定。
他非常成功，
而他早知這神賜給他成功。
當他同事密謀除掉他時，
他從未懷疑或沮喪。
他始終保持平靜，並感謝神祈求神。
Daily cultivation reaps greater benefits
than prayer and scripture reading on random days
or only when we are feeling down.
We must spend the time and energy
to build an intimate relationship with God.
Without daily cultivation,
the line between what is biblically correct and secularly reasonable
can become indistinguishable,
causing us to risk compromising our entire faith.
每日靈修會獲得更大的益處，
比起不定期禱告讀經，
或僅在我們情緒低落的時候。
我們必須投入時間和精力，
來與神建立親密的關係。
若沒有每日靈修，
聖經真理與世俗符合邏輯之間的界限，
就可能會變得無法區分，
使我們有可能有危害去妥協自已整個信仰。
Daniel’s daily spiritual cultivation
helped him maintain a peaceful heart during a very stressful time.
His job and status could have been taken away from him
and his life instantly over.
In the end, he was not eaten by the lions;
instead, his enemies were devoured.
Daniel continued to prosper
and God’s name was honored and praised throughout all the land.
但以理每日靈修，
幫他在極度高壓時期，可以保持內心平靜。
他的工作和地位很有可能被奪走，
他的生命也可能瞬間終束。
最終，他沒有被獅子吃掉；
相反，他的敵人被吞噬。
但以理繼續興旺發達，
神的名在全地得到尊崇和讚美。
FOCUS ON THINGS ABOVE 專注天國的事
It would have been hard to make the right decision
if Daniel did not maintain an intimate relationship with God.
It is hard to accept being laid off, demoted, or patronized.
Many secular concepts focus on individualism and empowering oneself.
It is easy to get caught up in these concepts and lose focus.
要做出正確的決定本就會很困難，
如果但以理沒有與神保持親密的關係。
遭解僱，被降職或被瞧不起都很難接受。
很多世俗觀念都強調個人主義和自我賦權。
被這些觀念所迷惑，且迷失方向是很容易的。
But as Paul reminds us,
our focus should be on
“Set[ting] your minds on things above,
not on things on the earth”
(Col 3:2),
for
“the things which are seen are temporary,
but the things which are not seen are eternal”
(2 Cor 4:18).
但正如保羅提醒我們，
我們應很專心，
“2你們要思念上面的事，
不要思念地上的事。”
（西 3：2），
因為
“18因為所見的是暫時的，
所不見的是永遠的。”
（林後 4：18）。
After the incident,
a new decree was issued
and it was clear to King Darius, a Gentile,
that the God Daniel worshipped was the God
that the entire kingdom must fear,
because He was the living God that remained steadfast forever.
Daniel’s boss, who did not previously know God,
now knew that God’s kingdom was indestructible and enduring.
Daniel was able to glorify God and edify others
by focusing through spiritual cultivation on things that were eternal.
事件過後，頒布了一道新法令，
外邦人大利烏王很清楚知道，
但以理所敬拜的對象是神，
全國都必須敬畏神，
因為祂是永生的神，永遠信實。
但以理的上司，他以前不認識神，
現在明白了神的國度是堅不可破，永恆長存。
但以理可以榮耀神，造就別人，
經由重視靈修於永生的事物。
Doing well in our career to support our family and ourselves
is one of our duties.
But sometimes we are so engulfed by getting that promotion or raise
that we forget that God is our ultimate Provider.
Our vision of things that are eternal becomes blurred
because our hearts have leaned more towards mammon than to God
due to lack of spiritual cultivation.
在我們事業上取得成功來養活自已全家，
就是我們的職責之一。
但有時，我們非常沉迷於追求升職或加薪，
以至於忘記了神才是我們最終的幫助。
我們看待永恆的事物變得模糊，
因為我們內心早已更傾向金錢，而不是靠近神，
都由於缺乏靈修。
To ask God for the strength and courage
that Daniel displayed in his most difficult hours
is not an impossible thing to do.
We do not need to be a prophet or have deep spiritual wisdom
to overcome the trials we face in society.
Entrusting our careers and lives into God’s hands
takes only a mustard seed of faith that can move mountains.
May God give us attributes like those of Daniel
so that we can embrace our status as God’s elite.
向神祈求賜予力量和勇氣，
如同但以理在其最艱難時刻的表現，
並非不可能作到的事。
我們無需成為先知，也具有深厚的屬靈智慧，
就能克服自已在社會中面臨的各種考驗。
將我們眾人的事業和生命交託在神的手中，
只需有一顆芥菜籽般的信心，就能移山。
願神賜給我們像但以理的那些品格，
使我們能夠認同自己作為神選民的身份。
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, His own special people,
that you may proclaim the praises of Him
who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
(1 Pet 2:9)
9惟有你們是被揀選的族類，是有君尊的祭司，
是聖潔的國度，是屬神的子民，
要叫你們宣揚那召你們出黑暗入奇妙光明者的美德。
（彼前 2：9）
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯
Office Relationships Series:
King Darius, the Secular Boss Lessons
we can learn from Daniel and his work environment.
職場關係系列：
大利烏王，世俗老闆課程
我們可從但以理及其工作環境學習
—Elizabeth, New Jersey, USA 美國紐澤西
Working in the world often involves working under a secular boss,
which entails making decisions and handling problems in secular ways.
These “secular ways” may not go against the teachings of the Bible,
but when they do, they become challenges to us in our workplace.
在世上工作常會遇到聽命於世俗上司，
那就需要以世俗的方式做決定和處理問題。
這些“世俗的方式”或許不違背聖經的教導，
但有違背的時候，他們就成為我們職場的挑戰。
It is tough when we are faced with decisions
that test our faith on a day-today basis.
Most of the time, these trials may be subtle and harmless at first glance.
What we tend to forget is
that Satan often masks himself to be very appealing and innocuous
and slowly leads us astray from the truth.
事實會很艱難，當我們要面對做決定時，
那會考驗日常生活時的信心。
大多數時候，這些試驗乍看之下可能很細微，也無傷大雅。
但我們容易忘記的是，
撒旦常偽裝自已很吸引人而且無害，
並慢慢引我們離開真理走偏。
THE DILEMMA 二難
If you are blessed enough to have an understanding supervisor,
it’s usually not a problem to not participate in anything against your beliefs.
On the other hand, if your boss has little to no respect for your beliefs,
it creates many opportunities to compromise and make decisions
that go against your morals or beliefs.
It seems that spiritual growth often involves sacrificing career success.
如果你很幸運，遇到一位通情達理的主管，
情況通常就不會有問題，不參加任何違背你信仰的活動。
另一方面，如果你老闆很少或不尊重你的信仰，
這就出現許多機會，要去妥協及去決定，
是否那會違背你自身道德或信仰。
看起，屬靈成長常會遇到犧牲事業成就。
Living up to Your Ethics 恪守道德準則
Most career websites will advise you to steer clear of unethical practices
because it will come back to bite you in the end.
A common logical solution to immoral conduct
is to back up every incident with documented evidence
and maintain an ethical and professional attitude at work.
大多數求職網站會建議你遠離不道德的行為，
因為最終那會回頭反噬你。
應對不道德行為的一種常見合理的辦法是，
就是備好每次事件的書面證據，
並在工作中保持合乎道德且專業的態度。
If all else fails, careerbuilder.com recommends the following:
“After analyzing the political landscape in your company,
if you decide the game is one you can’t play, prepare to move on.
It’s not typical, but some organizations actually condone
—even promote
—dishonest, ruthless or unethical behavior.
The game of office politics in this situation is not one worth winning.”
如果其他方法都行不通，careerbuilder.com 建議如下：
“在分析了你公司內部權力的生態後，
如果你覺得這是你玩不下去的一場遊戲，那就準備離開。
雖然這種情況並不常見，但有些組織實際上會縱容
—甚至會鼓勵
—不誠實，冷酷無情或不道德的行為。
在這種情況下，職場政治遊戲不值得玩。”
Living up to Your Religion 恪守實的宗教信仰
This is sound advice coming from a secular and moral point of view.
Most people who aren’t consumed with the desire for power and money
want to work for a company that makes ethical decisions.
As Christians, there is no question
that our career should be ethically based.
這是來自世俗及道德角度的合理建議。
大多數並沒有被權力及金錢的慾望所驅使，
都想要為一家會做出合理決策的公司工作。
作為基督徒，毫無疑問的，
我們的職涯應以有合理的基礎。
But in addition, we who seek to abide by the truth face a dilemma
that covers a much wider spectrum of circumstances,
ranging from something that is straightforward,
such as working on the Sabbath,
to something that falls in the gray zone,
such as participating in office politics or gossip.
但此外，我們這尋求遵守真理的人，還面臨一種兩難，
這個困境涵蓋了更廣泛的情況，
其範圍從一些很直接的事情，
例如在安息日工作，
到一些處於灰色地帶的事情，
例如參與職場政治或閒話。
To put in the extra effort that will earn recognition in front of our managers,
do we forgo Sabbath once in a while without inquiring if Sunday was a possibility?
To maintain a pleasant working atmosphere and camaraderie among fellow coworkers,
do we indulge in office gossip or take sides in trivial office politics?
Do our colleagues know not to tell dirty jokes in front of us
because we are Christian?
為了在管理者之前付出額外努力得到認可，
我們是否會偶爾跳過安息日，卻沒詢問是否週日可以上班？
為了在同事間維持愉快的工作氛圍和友誼，
我們是否熱衷職場閒話或在微小辦公室政治有所偏袒？
我們的同事是否知道在我們面前不要說黃色笑話，
因為我們是基督徒？
Although it is easy to put the dos and don’ts of being ethical in writing,
it is not always easy to put them into action
when we encounter a difficult situation.
Therefore, it is important to equip ourselves with God’s teachings
to prepare for common and uncommon circumstances.
雖然寫下道德規範的規則很容易，
但要付諸實踐就不容易了，
由其是我們遇到困難的時候。
因此，用神的教導裝備自己就很重要了，
以預備應對各種常見和怪異的情況。
One Bible character whom we often turn to as an example
of maintaining a strong faith
while working successfully in the world is Daniel.
Let’s look into how he dealt with his secular boss and colleagues.
我們常以一位聖經人物為例，
來維持堅固的信心，
在世俗生活取得成功的就是但以理。
讓我們來看看他如何應對自已世俗的主管和許多同事。
LESSONS FROM DANIEL 但以理留下的教導
Daniel was a successful governor and one of King Darius’ elite.
King Darius was a great boss
who respected and favored Daniel above his colleagues.
But spiritually,
King Darius did not know the one true God
and consequently signed a decree
that was at odds with Daniel’s belief.
但以理是一位成功的總督，也是大利烏王的精英之一。
大利烏王是一位很偉大的老闆，
他尊重疼愛但以理超過他很多的同事。
但屬靈上，
大利烏王不認識獨一真神，
並因此簽署一項法令，
那與但以理的信仰衝突。
The decree stated
that for thirty days anyone who petitioned to any god or man
except for King Darius
would be cast into the den of lions.
Even though the king did not mean any harm,
he did not understand Daniel’s beliefs
and endangered both Daniel’s career and physical life.
法令規定，
在三十天內，凡任何人向神或人祈求，
除了大利烏王以外，
都會被丟進獅子坑。
儘管國王並無惡意，
但他不了解但以理的信仰，
卻危及了但以理的職涯和肉體生命。
Put God Above the Boss 以神為先，而且老闆
Daniel could have made it easy for himself
and bowed down to the king during those thirty days.
However, he chose to go against the decree
and continue to offer prayers and thanks to his God.
Daniel put full faith in God
and did not worry about what his colleagues would think
or what the consequences would be.
但以理本可輕易對待自己，
只要在那三十天內向國王下拜。
然而，他卻選擇違抗王令，
繼續獻上祈禱及感恩給祂的神。
但以理完全信賴神，
並不擔心自已同僚的想法，
也不擔心會發生的後果。
When faced with such a situation,
whom do we choose? God or mammon?
Sometimes, we waver
and choose God only when it is easy and convenient
—only when it requires no sacrifice.
But the Bible states it is impossible to serve both God and mammon
(Mt 6:24).
面對這一種情況時，
我們該選擇誰呢？是神還是金錢？
有時，我們會動搖，
選擇神只在容易方便的時候，
—只在事情無需付出任何犧牲時。
但聖經說，要同時事奉神又事奉金錢是不可能的。
（太 6：24）
We need to be unconditionally certain about the one we serve,
not only when the timing is right.
When faced with a dilemma like Daniel’s,
we must acknowledge in our hearts
that any raise or promotion in a career is temporary,
but the treasure we store in heaven
by honoring and worshipping God is eternal.
我們需要篤定無疑自已事奉的獨一真神，
不僅是在好時機時。
當面對像但以理那樣的兩難時，
我們在內心必須認知，
任何職業加薪或晉升都是暫時的，
而我們積攢在天上的財寶，
由榮耀和敬拜神而來的可以永恆。
Daniel was willing to suffer the consequences
of disobeying the king’s command.
As a result, he was thrown into the den of lions.
但以理甘願承受後果，
不順從國王的命令。
結果，他被丟進了獅子坑。
However, Daniel’s faith in God had a solid foundation
that made his decision both effortless and immovable.
He was completely confident
that God would take care of him in life or death
and was content with the fact that it could go either way.
然而，但以理對神的信心根基穩固，
那下定他的決定毫不費力又堅定不移。
他完全很相信，
無論生死，神都會照顧他，
並且坦然接受這種現實，事情可能走向二種道路。
When we are asked to choose God or mammon, let us choose God.
Put God above the boss.
當我們受要求去選擇神或金錢時，讓我們去選擇神。
把神置於老闆之上。
Don’t Compromise Your Beliefs 別妥協信仰
To refrain from compromise during a trying time
is a very difficult thing to do.
Daniel’s attitude is exemplary
because it reminds us
how important it is to do what is biblically correct and stand by it.
在試驗時期要堅持不妥協，
是一件非常艱難去完成的事。
但以理的態度就可以效法，
因為它提醒我們，
要遵守聖經正確的教導並堅持下去到底有多麼重要。
He did not say,
“I know God is the only God in my life.
The important thing is that I believe it in my heart,
because God can see my heart.
I’ll just follow the decree to keep the others quiet.
In doing so, I can save my life to continue working for God.”
他沒有說，
“我知道神是我生命的獨一真神。
重要的是我內心相信這事，
因為神可洞察我的內心。
我只要遵守誡命，去讓其他人閉嘴。
如此行，我才能拯救自已的性命，去繼續為神工作。”
On the surface, this train of thought may seem wise,
but on a deeper, more fundamental level,
it is distorting two basic truths:
there is only one true God,
and we should not worship any other god.
If a Christian cannot exhibit through actions what is in his heart,
then his faith is truly dead
(Jas 2:17).
在表面上，這一脈絡的想法可能似手很聰明，
更一深層來看，到更基本層面來看，
它扭曲了兩項基本真理：
只有獨一真神，
我們不該敬拜任何其他神祇。
若一位基督徒不能透過行動來展現自已內心的信仰，
那麼他的信仰就真的死了。
（雅 2：17）
In addition, because Daniel held such a high position and was favored by the king,
his colleagues were envious and plotted against him.
Without letting pride over his status drive a need to be vindicated,
he willingly submitted to authorities
and let God have full control of his future.
We should not dwell on how unfairly we’ve been treated,
but let God handle those who wrong us.
此外，由於但以理身居這樣的高位，又深受國王寵愛，
他許多同僚就心生嫉妒，密謀陷害他。
他沒有因驕傲而超越自己地位，驅使慾望想自證清白，
他甘願順服掌權者，
讓神來完全掌握自已的未來。
我們不應糾結於自己是如何受到不公平待遇，
而該讓神處置那些虧待我們的人。
Having the faith and courage to stand up for what we believe in,
instead of cowardly compromising to save face,
can only come from the power and mercy of God.
擁有自己的信心和勇氣，來堅守自已所深信的信仰，
而不是為了保全顏面而懦弱妥協，
只能來自神的力量和慈悲。
God is faithful
and He will not give us anything that we cannot bear,
but we cannot just wait and do nothing
and expect God to take care of our problems.
We need to seek God’s guidance through tribulations and failure
and remember to praise and give glory to Him
when we garner recognition and success.
神是信實的，
祂不會給我們任何無法承擔的苦難，
但我們不能只是等待，而無所事事，
並指望神來解決我們的問題。
我們需要求神的指引穿越苦難和失敗，
並且記住要讚美祂，榮耀祂，
當我們獲得認可和成功時。
For Daniel, there was no dilemma.
He was in the king’s high graces
because he had an “excellent spirit” within him.
He didn’t step on anyone to get there
nor did he ever compromise his beliefs
to appear more desirable to the king.
對但以理而言，根本沒有困難。
他深受國王寵愛，
因為他內心有“美好的靈性”。
他沒有踩著任何人往上爬到那高位，
他也沒有曾經妥協自己的信仰，
為了看起來能得到更多國王的寵愛。
Stay on Top of Spiritual Cultivation 持續靈修
The king’s decree did not stop Daniel’s custom
of praying to God three times a day.
He chose to accept the consequences rather than bow down to man.
We must follow Daniel’s example
and cultivate our spirituality
so that the decision to sacrifice secular gain
for things that are eternal is an easy one to make.
王令並沒有阻止但以理的習慣，
每日三次去禱告神。
他選擇接受後果，也不願跪拜人。
我們必須效法但以理的榜樣，
培養自已的靈性，
這樣，犧牲世俗利益的決定，
為了得到永恆的事物，就是一項更容易做到的決定。
Daniel’s life of prayer is evident
in the decisions he made in his career.
He was very successful,
and he knew God gave him his success.
He did not once doubt or get frustrated
when his colleagues plotted to have him terminated.
He remained peaceful and gave thanks and supplication to God.
但以理禱告生活很明顯，
可見於他職涯中做了許多決定。
他非常成功，
而他早知這神賜給他成功。
當他同事密謀除掉他時，
他從未懷疑或沮喪。
他始終保持平靜，並感謝神祈求神。
Daily cultivation reaps greater benefits
than prayer and scripture reading on random days
or only when we are feeling down.
We must spend the time and energy
to build an intimate relationship with God.
Without daily cultivation,
the line between what is biblically correct and secularly reasonable
can become indistinguishable,
causing us to risk compromising our entire faith.
每日靈修會獲得更大的益處，
比起不定期禱告讀經，
或僅在我們情緒低落的時候。
我們必須投入時間和精力，
來與神建立親密的關係。
若沒有每日靈修，
聖經真理與世俗符合邏輯之間的界限，
就可能會變得無法區分，
使我們有可能有危害去妥協自已整個信仰。
Daniel’s daily spiritual cultivation
helped him maintain a peaceful heart during a very stressful time.
His job and status could have been taken away from him
and his life instantly over.
In the end, he was not eaten by the lions;
instead, his enemies were devoured.
Daniel continued to prosper
and God’s name was honored and praised throughout all the land.
但以理每日靈修，
幫他在極度高壓時期，可以保持內心平靜。
他的工作和地位很有可能被奪走，
他的生命也可能瞬間終束。
最終，他沒有被獅子吃掉；
相反，他的敵人被吞噬。
但以理繼續興旺發達，
神的名在全地得到尊崇和讚美。
FOCUS ON THINGS ABOVE 專注天國的事
It would have been hard to make the right decision
if Daniel did not maintain an intimate relationship with God.
It is hard to accept being laid off, demoted, or patronized.
Many secular concepts focus on individualism and empowering oneself.
It is easy to get caught up in these concepts and lose focus.
要做出正確的決定本就會很困難，
如果但以理沒有與神保持親密的關係。
遭解僱，被降職或被瞧不起都很難接受。
很多世俗觀念都強調個人主義和自我賦權。
被這些觀念所迷惑，且迷失方向是很容易的。
But as Paul reminds us,
our focus should be on
“Set[ting] your minds on things above,
not on things on the earth”
(Col 3:2),
for
“the things which are seen are temporary,
but the things which are not seen are eternal”
(2 Cor 4:18).
但正如保羅提醒我們，
我們應很專心，
“2你們要思念上面的事，
不要思念地上的事。”
（西 3：2），
因為
“18因為所見的是暫時的，
所不見的是永遠的。”
（林後 4：18）。
After the incident,
a new decree was issued
and it was clear to King Darius, a Gentile,
that the God Daniel worshipped was the God
that the entire kingdom must fear,
because He was the living God that remained steadfast forever.
Daniel’s boss, who did not previously know God,
now knew that God’s kingdom was indestructible and enduring.
Daniel was able to glorify God and edify others
by focusing through spiritual cultivation on things that were eternal.
事件過後，頒布了一道新法令，
外邦人大利烏王很清楚知道，
但以理所敬拜的對象是神，
全國都必須敬畏神，
因為祂是永生的神，永遠信實。
但以理的上司，他以前不認識神，
現在明白了神的國度是堅不可破，永恆長存。
但以理可以榮耀神，造就別人，
經由重視靈修於永生的事物。
Doing well in our career to support our family and ourselves
is one of our duties.
But sometimes we are so engulfed by getting that promotion or raise
that we forget that God is our ultimate Provider.
Our vision of things that are eternal becomes blurred
because our hearts have leaned more towards mammon than to God
due to lack of spiritual cultivation.
在我們事業上取得成功來養活自已全家，
就是我們的職責之一。
但有時，我們非常沉迷於追求升職或加薪，
以至於忘記了神才是我們最終的幫助。
我們看待永恆的事物變得模糊，
因為我們內心早已更傾向金錢，而不是靠近神，
都由於缺乏靈修。
To ask God for the strength and courage
that Daniel displayed in his most difficult hours
is not an impossible thing to do.
We do not need to be a prophet or have deep spiritual wisdom
to overcome the trials we face in society.
Entrusting our careers and lives into God’s hands
takes only a mustard seed of faith that can move mountains.
May God give us attributes like those of Daniel
so that we can embrace our status as God’s elite.
向神祈求賜予力量和勇氣，
如同但以理在其最艱難時刻的表現，
並非不可能作到的事。
我們無需成為先知，也具有深厚的屬靈智慧，
就能克服自已在社會中面臨的各種考驗。
將我們眾人的事業和生命交託在神的手中，
只需有一顆芥菜籽般的信心，就能移山。
願神賜給我們像但以理的那些品格，
使我們能夠認同自己作為神選民的身份。
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, His own special people,
that you may proclaim the praises of Him
who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
(1 Pet 2:9)
9惟有你們是被揀選的族類，是有君尊的祭司，
是聖潔的國度，是屬神的子民，
要叫你們宣揚那召你們出黑暗入奇妙光明者的美德。
（彼前 2：9）
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
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