Manna issue 78 - Preparing for a Life of Full-Time Service 預備全職事奉的生活
Know yourself, know God. 認識自已認識神
Lois Kuo—Pacifica, California, USA 美國加州太平洋教會 郭羅以
A QUESTION-FILLED TIME 問題 - 填補時間
The Bible records the many different
ways that God directly called His
workers. However, for some of us,
such a call to full-time service may not
be immediately obvious.
聖經記載許多不同的方式，神直接呼召祂的工人。
然後，對我們有一些人而言，這樣子的呼召去從事全職事奉，或許沒有立刻就很明顯。
The desire to offer our best to
God may have been sparked when
we were reflecting upon a sermon
or attending a seminar. Perhaps, in
personal reflection and prayer, we
found ourselves aspiring to devote
ourselves to full-time service. During
such moments, it is natural to also
wonder, among other things, if it
were really God’s will for us to take
this path.
希望可以獻出自已最好的給神，當我們在回想一篇講道，或是參加訓練營的時候，或許會有所啟發。
或許個人反省或禱告的時候，我們發現自已很感動，要來獻身作全職的事奉。
在這樣的時刻，很自然的就會想，在全有其他的事情之後，
是不是真的是神的旨意要我們去走這一條路。
For many years, I asked pastors
what I should do to prepare myself. I
cherished the idea of full-time service,
but I had no idea how to work toward
it. Was I acting upon God’s will or
my own? What is the right way to go
about finding out?
經過了好幾年，我問傳道，我應該要作什麼才可以準備好自已。
我重視全職服事這個想法，但是我卻不知道，要如何作才能更進一步。
我這樣作是依造神的旨意嗎？或是我自已的意思而已呢？
什麼才是正確的方式，才可以出發去找到答案呢？
One thing I was absolutely certain
of, however, was that I was not
worthy. Well aware of my weaknesses,
I wondered: Will God accept my
service? Will I really be able to make
it on this path?
有一件事，我是絕對的確定，然而，是不是我有點不配呢？
因為深深的了解自已的軟弱，我就想：
神會接受我的服事嗎？
我真的可以在這條道路上成功嗎？
Then, when I wanted to take the
step to serve full-time, there were no
suitable available positions. Perhaps I
had misunderstood God’s intent for
me, or perhaps the time wasn’t right
yet. Does God still want me to serve
Him? If so, when is the right time to
make this switch?
然而，當我想要再進一步去全職服事的時候，卻沒有合適工作職位的空缺。
或許是我錯解了神對我的意思，或者是時候還沒有到。
神仍然要我去服事祂嗎？
若是如此，什麼時候才是合適的時間去作這個跑道的轉換呢？
WAITING FOR THE ANSWER IN HIS TIME 在祂的時機來臨時，等候祂的回音
Full-time service to the Lord is a very
important life choice. It is not wrong
to question whether this is indeed
God’s intended path for us. While
we pray to God for guidance, it may
be some time before a clear answer
comes. Being human, this uncertainty
can be difficult for us to bear.
全職服事主是一個非常重要的人生選擇。
就算會有質疑，是不是這真是神旨意給我所選擇的道路，有這種想法也不是錯誤的事。
當我們向神禱告，求神引導的時候，有時候在得到一個清楚的回覆之前，會需要一些時間。
身為人，這種不確定性，對我們來說，可能就是一個很困難的情況。
However, waiting can be beneficial
because time will show whether our
desire to serve is a true call to service or
just a momentary stirring of emotions.
Since this waiting period is inevitable,
instead of fretting anxiously, we can
use it to deepen our understanding of
ourselves and God.
然而，等候可能是有益的，因為時間會告訴我們，是不是我們希望去服事，
真是神的呼召，或只是情感上暫時的感動而已。
因為這樣的等候時間是不可避免的，相對於因此感到煩腦憂慮，
我們可以利用這樣的機會，來加深自已和神的認知。
Knowing Ourselves 認識自已
While we cannot foresee how and
when God will use us (like Moses, cf.
Ex 2–3), we should put in every effort
to know ourselves. Our character
and habits have the potential to
significantly enhance or become
breaches in our faith and service.
Therefore, on our journey towards
salvation, we must continually
work to become more aware of our
shortcomings and improve in these
areas. We are then well-equipped
to fit into whatever future God has
planned for us.
雖然我們不能預知神會怎麼使用我們，或是什麼時候會用我們(就像 摩西，cf. 出 2-3)，
我們應該投入所有的心力來認識自已。
我們的性格和習慣，都有潛能可以重大的加強，或是在我們的信仰和服事上成為破口。
所以，在我們走到得救的旅程中，我們一定要繼續作工，直到變得更加了解自已的缺點，並且改善這些地方。
到那個時候，我們就會穿好裝備，作好準備，無論神在未來計劃叫我們作什麼都可以。
Examining ourselves is no easy task.
We can humbly ask our friends and
family to help us identify our strengths
and weaknesses. Tackling multiple
areas at once may be overwhelming,
so start with one or two. Working
through these various issues helps
prepare us not only for full-time
service, but also for our marriage,
family, and career.
自我檢查並不是一項簡單的工作。
我們可以謙卑的問問自已的朋友和家人，請他們幫助我們了解自已的長處和缺點。
一下子要馬上抓出很多問題點，可能有點困難，所以可以從一兩個缺點開始改進。
改善這些改種不同的問題，不只可以幫助我們作好全職的事奉，也可以對我們的婚姻，家庭和事業有所幫助。
Getting to Know Me: Practical Questions for Self-Knowledge 進一步了解自已：自知之明的各種實際問題
Managing myself 自我管理
‧ What are my greatest strengths
and weaknesses? What have I done
to enhance these strengths and
overcome these weaknesses?
．什麼是我最大的長處和弱點？我需要作什麼來增進自已的長處，並且克服自已的弱點？
‧ Am I grateful and content? How
should I cultivate a thankful heart
and simple life?
．是否內心充滿感激，並且心滿意足呢？我要如何培養自已有一個感謝的心，並且樂於過著簡單的生活？
‧ In what areas do I need more
self-control? How can I be more
watchful in these areas?
．在那些方面，我需要加以克制自已？我要怎麼作，才可以在這些方面更加小心？
‧ What drives my day-to-day
choices? How does the well-being
of others impact my decisionmaking?
．到底有那些因素，主導了我每天生活上的選擇呢？其他人的幸福，是否會對我作決定有所影嚮呢？
Managing relationships 管理關係
‧ What is my main communication
style? How do I adapt my style
to effectively communicate with
different types of people?
．我主要溝通的方式是什麼？我要如何運用我的方式，來有效地與不同類型的人來作溝通？
‧ With whom do I not get along
and why? How should I change
to improve my relationship with
others?
．我和誰無法好好相處？到底是為什麼？我到底要如何改變，來改進與別人的關係？
‧ How do I respond to criticism or
suggestions for improvement? How
can I learn to be more focused on
introspection and not on the critics?
．我是如何回應各種批評和建議，以求進步的？我要如何才能學會，可以更加集中在自我省查，而不會在意別人對我的批評？
‧ What should I do to improve
conflict management? How can
I avoid combative thoughts or
behavior and instead be more
peaceable?
．我應該要怎麼作，才可以對衝突管理有更進一步的改善？我要如何作才可避免好鬥性的想法和行為，並且可以變得更加平和？
‧ Do I feel bitterness toward certain
family or church members? How
can I overcome any resentment with
past events or circumstances?
．我對某些家庭，或是教會信徒，是不是感到很討厭？我要如何作，才可克服對過去的事件或環境，所生產的憎恨？
Managing work and stress 管理職場和壓力
‧ In my local church, what holy
work am I willing or unwilling to do
and why?
．在本地教會中，什麼樣的聖工，我願意作，什麼樣的聖工，我不願意作？為什麼呢？
‧ How should I improve my work
ethic? What should I do to be more
productive, efficient, and effective?
．我應該要如何來改進自已的職場倫理觀？我應該要怎麼作，才可以更有生產力，更有效率，更有執行力？
‧ How do I handle stressful
situations? What methods can I use
to overcome intense stress?
．我要如何去處理需要面對壓力的場合？我能用什麼方法來克服強烈的壓力？
Many of these questions reveal
thoughts and deeply-rooted concepts
that we were probably unaware
of. God will guide us to see our
imperfections if our hearts are pure
and willing to change. After humbly
confessing our weakness to the
Lord, continue to think through each
shortcoming in prayer. Look to the
word of God to cleanse and align
our thoughts and actions with God’s
standard. Keep track of any progress
or setbacks in each area, while
continuing to humbly yield to God’s
instruction. When we feel discouraged
about overcoming old habits, God is
our reason not to give up.
大部份這些問題，顯示出了或許是我們自已都沒有意識到的想法，以及根深蒂固的觀念。
若是我們的內心清潔，並且有一顆願意改變的心，神就會引導我們看見自已的不完全。
在向主謙卑的承認自已的軟弱之後，不斷的在禱告中，逐一反省自已每一個缺點。
研讀神的話 ，了解之後用神的標準來清潔和調整自已的思想和行為。
當繼續謙卑接受神指教的時候，記錄下自已每一個地方的進展，或退步的地方。
當我們覺得沮喪無法克服一些不好的舊習性的時候，神就是一個我們不會放棄的理由。
For Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,
until her righteousness goes forth
as brightness, and her salvation as a
lamp that burns. (Isa 62:1)
62我因錫安必不靜默，為耶路撒冷必不息聲，直到他的公義如光輝發出，他的救恩如明燈發亮。
(賽 62：1)
God desires to see us as bright
shining lights without shadow or taint.
Though the goal feels unattainable,
particularly in man’s eyes, with God,
nothing is impossible. God is ever
willing and committed to helping
us overcome our weaknesses. He
does not stop working toward our
righteousness, so we should not give
up on ourselves.
神希望看到我們，如同散發明亮的亮光，毫無陰暗及沾污之處。
雖然目標感覺上難以達成，由其是在人的眼中來看，但對神來說，沒有什麼事是不能成就的。
神永遠願意，並且會努力來幫助我們克服一切的軟弱。
祂不願放棄讓我們變得更加公義聖潔，所以我們不應該自我放棄。
In my own journey, the process
of seeing and grappling with
my weaknesses changed my life
completely. I came to see that my
behavior and choices often stemmed
from my doubts of God’s protection.
As I dug deeper into what I based
my identity on, God helped me to
see many unhealthy and ungodly
values. During this period of deep
introspection, God was my greatest
supporter who never turned away
from the ugliness I needed Him to
heal. As I confessed my need for
others’ approval and my self-idolatry,
this new self-awareness changed my
interactions with my family and my
friends. I began experiencing true
joy when serving at my local church.
The process of facing myself not only
prepared me for full-time service, but
also led to a deeper experience of
God, a happier life, and more fulfilling
relationships with others.
在我們個人的旅程中，發現自已的軟弱，並且努力克服軟弱的過程中，完全改變了我的生命。
我終於了解，自已的行為和作出來的選擇，常常是來自於對神的保守有所疑慮。
當我深入挖掘自已的認知的特性時，神幫我看見許多自已不健康及不虔誠的價值觀。
在這個深入自我反省的期間，神給我最大的幫助，祂從來不會因為我的軟弱太過於醜陋而不幫我改善，治療。
當我認清了自已需要別人的認同，以及自我崇拜的心態時，
這個新的自覺，改變了我和家人及朋友互動的方式。
當我在本地教會服事的時候，我開始感覺到真正的喜樂。
面對自我的過程不只讓我可以為了全職的事奉好好的準備自已，
而且也引導我對神有更深入的體會，活得更加快樂，並且和別人有更加圓滿的關係。
Knowing God 認識神
A deep recognition of God’s attributes
is indispensable to a life of service.
Knowing the beauty of God’s character
is an unending source of motivation
to improve ourselves when working
with different types of personalities.
Knowing God’s omniscience reassures
us that our efforts are not in vain
though our tasks are unseen or bear no
results. Knowing God is trustworthy
allows us to willingly submit when
we ourselves do not understand a
particular assignment of the church.
Knowing God’s goodness allows us to
fully trust Him with our lives, even in
the face of obstacles.
對神的幫助，有深入的認知，是服事的生活中，不可或缺的。
了解神美德的美好，就是一種永不止息感動的來源，可變改善自已來面對各種不同種類個性的人。
了解神的全知，可以確保我們的努力不會徒然勞苦，雖然我們的任務是看不見的，或者似乎沒有果效。
了解神是值得信賴的，可以讓我們在自已不了解教會中特別的工作時，可以樂意去順服神。
了解神的良善，可以讓我們在自已的生活中完全信靠祂，甚至在遭遇患難的時候。
We need to serve God for who He is
and because of whom He has made us
to be. It is not wrong to seek personal
fulfillment and meaning in serving
God, but these are insufficient to keep
us motivated when work is tedious,
unglamorous, and unappreciated by
others. What we view as meaningful
may also change as time passes, but
God’s character remains steadfast.
我們要服事神，因為祂就是現在存在的神，也因為祂把我們帶到了如今的境地。
在服事神的過程中，尋求個人的成就和意義並沒有錯，
但是當工作變得單調乏味，毫無光釆，並且別人也不會感謝你的時候，這些並不足以讓我們有所感動繼續下去。
我們認為有意義的事，也或許會因為時間的改變而加以改變，
但是神的美德是永遠不變的。
Getting to Know God: Practical Questions for Enhancing Our Relationship with Him
認識神：加深與神關係的實際問題
God’s Nature 神的本質
‧ Do I express appreciation for
God’s attributes?
．我對神的幫助，內心會感謝神嗎？
‧ How confident am I of God’s
love? What were the moments that
I felt His love most?
．對神的愛，我到底有多少信心呢？到底什麼時候，我最能感覺到祂的愛呢？
‧ How large of a part does God
play in my identity?
．神在我的認知之中，到底有多大的部份是屬於神呢？
Communion with God 與神溝通
‧ What drives me to pursue
knowing God more?
．到底是什麼原因讓我去追求更認識神呢？
‧ Is my spiritual cultivation
characterized by consistency?
．我的靈修是不是有一致性的在培養呢？
‧ Are there situations in which I am
less likely to want to think about or
draw close to God?
．在我身處這些情況之時，是不是比較少想到神，或去依靠神呢呢？
‧ How can I retain the fear of God
in my daily life?
．我要怎麼作才可以在每天的生活中，保持敬畏神的心？
Experience of God 有神的體驗
‧ In what ways do I find joy in the
Lord?
．在主裡的那些方面上，我可以得到喜樂？
‧ Have I experienced victory gained
by relying on God’s mercy rather
than my own ability?
．我是不是體會過依靠神的憐憫，所得到的勝利，而不是依靠自已的能力呢？
‧ What words of God do I hold
onto in times of difficulty?
．在患難的時候，有什麼神的話，我可以加以持守呢？
‧ When I feel unmotivated or tired
in service, what do I do to recharge
and obtain strength from God?
．當我在服事中，得到不感動，或是覺得很厭倦的時候，我會作什麼事來自已重新充電，從神那裡得到新的力量呢？
Spiritual companions 屬靈的同伴
‧ Who are the spiritual friends and
family members to whom I can turn
to for spiritual advice and prayers?
．有誰是我屬靈朋友和家人，可以給我靈性的建議，並且一起禱告呢？
a deep understanding of
God’s unchanging character, a clear
conviction and understanding of
God’s plan for our lives can keep us
motivated through difficult times. Do
we know how our lives fit into God’s
plan? What is God’s purpose in our
lives? The answer, which requires
time and God’s revelation, is one that
we must eventually find an answer
to. Knowing that we are carrying out
God’s intended role for us is vital for
an unwavering commitment.
除了對神不改變的特質有深入的了解之外，能對神為了我們生活的計劃有清楚的確信和了解，
可以讓我們在困難的時候，持續受到感動。
我們對如何把自已的生活，過得符合神的安排，是不是有了解嗎？
在我們的生活中，神所要完成的目標是什麼呢？
我們最後要找到的答案，需要時間去了解，以及神的啟示。
要知道重要的是可以不動搖的獻身，完成我們身上背負著神交託的特別角色。
I had a direct experience of this when
I first began to work full-time for God.
On the outside, I appeared committed
as I had quit my previous job and left
behind friends and familiarity to move
to a new city. But in my heart, I knew
I was not fully engaged; part of me
was afraid of fully accepting full-time
service. Doubts that I was suitable for
this path gnawed at me, and anxiety
about failing prevented me from full
commitment.
當我第一次開始全職為神來工作的時候，我就直接有這種經驗。
外在的情況是，我表現非常的投入，因為我已經辭了前一份工作，
並且把一些親朋好友捨棄在後，搬到了一座新的城市。
但在我的內心中，我知道自已並沒有完完全全的投入；
我有一部份是非常害怕去接受全職事奉的工作。
對於我是不是適合走這一條路的疑慮一直困擾著我，
害怕失敗的焦慮，讓我無法作出全心的投入。
This internal struggle made me
unhappy and I lost motivation. I was
always trying to get out of doing
things that were difficult or were out
of my comfort zone. I complained
and blamed others for making my life
and job difficult. I could not imagine
staying in this job for the rest of my
days.
這種內在的掙扎，讓我非常的不快樂，我也失去了自已的感動。
我總是選擇逃避去作那些困難的事情，或是那些我作起來不是非常清鬆容易，讓我感覺沒有安全感的事情。
我就開始抱怨，責怪別人讓我的生活和工作變得非常困難。
我變得無法想像可以繼續留在這份工作上，或是持續下去。
However, thanks to God’s mercy
and intervention, my personal answer
came unexpectedly during a prayer.
I saw that everything in my life had
been leading up to and preparing
me for this work; even stages in my
life that I had felt were failures were
actually training periods. There were
other people whom I had thought
were better suited to this work—those
kinder, better at communication,
more patient—yet they had found
their callings elsewhere. I realized that
this part in God’s workforce had long
been prepared, even before I myself
was aware. It was up to me, however,
to embrace it.
然而，感謝神的慈愛和介入，在禱告之中，我個人想要得到的答案，在意料之外出現了。
我看清，在生命中的任何事情，都是用來引導我，要讓我準備好，可以作這項工作；
即使我覺得是非常失敗的生命中某些階段，事實上是用來訓練我的時期。
我想到有許多其他人是更適合這項工作 - 他們是更和藹，善於溝通，富有耐心 -
然而，他們卻在其他的地方發現適合他們呼召的工作。
我知道，這份在神工作團隊中的職份，早就已經被準備好了，甚至是在我自已查覺到這件事之前就準備好了。
雖然，這就是為我所準備，要讓我去擁抱的工作。
Understanding how God had been
molding me throughout my life gave
me strength to embrace this path. In
that moment, everything changed.
Nothing changed externally but
everything changed within me! The
fear that I was not the right one for
this job disappeared. Since this was
the path that God had prepared,
I knew that He would continue
to provide and guide. He would
complete the work He had begun
(Phil 1:6). Though I still had much to
improve in my character, submission,
and service, I was no longer afraid of
my weaknesses.
了解了神如何利用過去我的生活，來塑造今日的我，讓我有力量來擁抱所選擇的路。
在那個時刻，每一件事都改變了。
在外面沒有任何事情有改變，但是?在我心中，每一件事都改變了！
我並不適合這份工作的恐懼就消失了。
因為這就是神所為我準備的道路，我知道，祂會繼續為我預備，和指引我。
祂將會完成這已經開毀因工作。(腓 1：6)
雖然我仍然在性格，順服及服事上，有很多地方需要改進，但我不再害怕自已的軟弱了。
While God’s workers may not
appear to be the best in man’s eyes,
they are His, so He Himself will build
them up and equip them (cf. 2 Cor
12:8–10). Fears and doubts will still
arise, but we can overcome each
obstacle with God by our side.
雖然神的工作在人的眼中，或許不是表現最好的，但是他們都是屬於的。
所以祂自已會親自訓練他們，好好讓他們作好準備。(cf. 林後 12：8-10)
害怕和疑惑仍然有時會產生，但是我們因為有神在我們的身旁，可以克服每一個阻礙。
HE MAKES ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL 祂會使一切變得美好
When it comes to serving God and His
church, we do not have to worry that
we might be overlooked or forgotten
by Him. The good works we are to
do have already been prepared by
God (Eph 2:10). No matter what our
role is, when God’s predetermined
time comes, He will call us to His
work. What is critical, however, is our
willingness to cleanse and prepare
ourselves for service to Him (2 Tim
2:20–21).
當談到有關服事神和教會的時候，我們不必憂慮，我們會被祂忽略，或遺忘了。
我們要作的善工，是已經被神準備好了。(弗 2：10)
無論現在我們的角色是什麼，當神預定的時間來臨時，祂會呼召我們去作祂的工作。
然而重要的是，我們願意自我潔淨，把自已準備好來服事祂。(提後 2：20-21)
As we embark on this journey of
intentional preparation, we will find
out increasingly how inadequate we
are. If it is God’s will for you to be a
full-time worker, it will be a lifelong
lesson on denying oneself and
following Jesus’ example. God’s calling
will come at His appointed time, not
because we have become complete,
but because full-time service is part of
His way to further purify us and grow
in true righteousness and holiness
(Eph 1:4, 4:23–24). God has a plan
for each of us. Let us have faith that
His knowledge is above anything we
could imagine, and accept and trust
that whatever God has arranged for
us is the best.
當我們有意識開始這項旅程的準備工作，就會逐漸發現自已是如何的準備不足。
若這是神所要給你的旨意，成為一個全職的工人，就會有終生要學習的課程去謙卑自已，並且跟隨耶穌的典範。
神的呼召在祂所預備的時間，就會臨到，不是因為我們已經變完全了，
而是因為全職服事神的工作，是祂所用的方法的一部份，要更進一步潔出我們，讓我們在真正的公義和聖潔上，有所成長。
(弗 1：4，4：23-24)
神對我們每一個人都有他的規劃。
讓我們對祂的知識有信心，因為祂的全知是超乎任何我們可以想像的事，
採納並相信無論神對我們有什麼安排都是最好的。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
留言列表
