Manna issue 77 Applying Our Faith in theWorkplace 在工作中實行我們的信仰
Shining for Christ at work. 在工作中為基督發光
Audrey Chan—Leicester, U.K.
英國萊斯特 陳李影霞 姐妹
INTRODUCTION 簡介
The city of Leicester, where I work, is a
wonderfully diverse place. According
to the 2011 UK Census, the combined
ethnic minority communities now
make up the greater part of the local
population. The city is home to people
from a myriad of backgrounds—
Caucasian, South Asian, African,
African-Caribbean, Chinese, and
Eastern European communities, all
co-existing peacefully, or at least
more peacefully than some parts of
the U.K., where there have been overt
racial tensions.
英國萊斯特城，是我工作的地方，是一個非常奇妙的地方，擁有多元的種族文化。
依據英國 2011 年的人口普查，現在少數種族聯合族群是當地人口組成最大的一部份。
這個城市是來自各種文化背景族群的家 - 白人，南亞的人種，非洲人，非洲加勒比人，華人和東歐的種族，
大家同時和平並存，或者說在這裡會比較和平一些，若是和英國其他的地方比較的話，在那些地方，很明顯有種族間緊張的關係。
This diversity was particularly
evident in one of my previous places
of work, where twelve of the fifteen
members in my team were from a
Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic
background, and nine of us professed
a religious faith—Islam, Christianity
and Hinduism—or held spiritual beliefs
of some sort. During the occasional
lull in our busy working day, those
of us on duty in the office would
sometimes have profound discussions
about life and faith. The Muslim
colleagues in the team would make
their daily prayers in a quiet place and
fast during the month of Ramadan, all
the while stoically tackling their work
commitments. I look back with fond
memories, thankful that we shared
time together and felt comfortable
enough to express who we were.
而這種多元種族的情況，在我之前其中一個工作的地方，是特別的明顯，
我的團隊有15個人，但其中12個人，是來自黑人，亞裔，少數種族背景，
而且我們之中，九個人公開承認自已的宗教信仰 - 回教，基督教，印度教 - 或是擁有某種屬靈的信念。
我們每天在忙碌的工作中，會在偶爾閒瑕的時候，我們這些人在辨公室待命的人，有時候會對生活和信仰有深入的討論。
團隊裡回教的同事會每天在安靜的地方作禱告，而且在齋戒月期間會禁食，一直禁慾思想一直伴隨著他們的工作承諾。
當我們回想到快樂的回憶時，我很感謝的是可以一起共享時光，並且同時感到很自由的來表達我們過去是什麼人。
However, even with the freedom
that many of us living in a developed
country enjoy, there may still be times
when we, as Christians, feel inhibited
to uphold the name of Jesus and
reveal our faith in an unapologetic
manner. Sometimes we may just
want to blend in, to keep matters of
faith out of our conversations, and to
practice our beliefs in the privacy of
our own homes or in church where
we are with like-minded people. But
doing so would make us lopsided
Christians; our faith should be integral
to our identity and our behavior,
wherever we are.
然而，即使能夠這麼的自由，我們許多人可以住在已發展的國家裡享受生活，
或許仍然有很多時候，我們身為基督徒，卻感覺到要能夠公開承認耶穌的名字，反而會受到禁止，
或是不能以一種沒有愧疚心態，來表明自已的信仰。
有時候我們可能想要融入別人，所以會在對話的時候，排除討論有關信仰的事情，
卻只有在我們自已的家中，或是在教會的時候，大家都是有相同信仰，志同道合的朋友，才會來作有關自已信仰的事。
但若是這麼作，只會把我們變成一個偏差的基督徒；
不論我們身處在那個地方，我們的信仰應該同時整合我們的信念和行為。
UPHOLDING OUR FAITH 支撐我們的信仰
Declaring the Name of Jesus 宣揚耶穌的名
One thing I learned from working in
Leicester is that it is good to make
your faith known to others. Our faith
is a fundamental part of who we are,
and letting others know helps them
to understand us and our stance on
certain matters. It may not always
be appropriate to preach directly
to colleagues or clients, as there are
usually policies or codes of conduct
in place to prevent this, but we can
at least make known the fact that we
are Christians. We can reveal which
church we attend and bring up issues
that may be relevant to our working
relationships. If people are interested
in knowing more, then we can share
as the opportunity arises.
在萊斯特工作的時候，我學到了一件事，能夠向別人表明自已的信仰是很好的。
我們是什麼人，其中信仰也是一個很重要的部份，可以讓別人知道，幫助他們了解我們，也了解我們對某些事情的立場。
或許直接向同事或客戶來傳福音，在某些時候並不是那麼合宜，
因為通常有許多所謂適當的行為準則和規條，會讓我們無法向他們傳福音，
但最少我們可以把自已是基督徒的身份，表明出來。
我們可以表明自已是參加那間教會，並且提起一些和自已同事情誼相關的議題。
若是別人有興趣了解更多的內容，因為這時候機會已經來了，我們就可以作更多的分享。
If we do this, our colleagues will
realize what we are doing when we
bow our head in thanksgiving at
lunchtime, and when we decline work
or social events on the Sabbath day. No
matter whether they agree with what
we do, at least they will understand.
To hide and to be surreptitious of
this aspect of our identity would be
strange, as if we were ashamed of our
belief in Jesus.
若是我們這麼作，當我們在午餐的時候，低下頭來感謝主，
或是當我們在安息日的時候，拒絕工作上或交誼的邀請時，我們的同事就會明白我們為什麼會這麼作。
無論他們是不是可以同意我們的行為，最少他們會有一些了解。
在我們對事情認同的這些方面，若是我們躲躲藏藏，或是鬼鬼祟祟的，對他們來說就會覺得很奇怪，
就好像我們對於信耶穌是一件很丟臉的事。
In a small way, when we make
known our faith, we are introducing
people to the true God. And we will be
following in the footsteps of the saints
of old—people like Joseph, Daniel,
and Nehemiah, who served among
Gentile masters and colleagues while
shining the light of God through their
daily actions. Looking at it another
way, if we feel ashamed about our
faith in Jesus, it could lead to mutual
sentiments: “For whoever is ashamed
of Me and My words, of him the Son
of Man will be ashamed when He
comes in His own glory, and in His
Father’s, and of the holy angels” (Lk
9:26).
從小事情開始，當我們表明自已信仰的時候，我們就是在向別人介紹真神。
而且我們也會跟隨古聖徒的腳蹤，這些值得效法的人，就是約瑟，但以理和尼希米，
他們在外邦主人和同事之中工作，而同一時間，他們卻可以透過每日的行為，來為神發光。
從另一個角度來看，若我們對信耶穌感到羞愧，這也會影響雙方之間的感情：
26凡把我和我的道當作可恥的，人子在自己的榮耀裡，並天父與聖天使的榮耀裡降臨的時候，也要把那人當作可恥的
(路 9：26)
Sabbath-Keeping 遵守安息日
I have been fortunate that, in over
twenty-five years of working life, I
have not been required to work on
the Sabbath. However, recently, prior
to signing a contract for a new post, I
looked at the offer letter and saw there
was a requirement to work occasional
weekends. This was a first for me. So
I went into the new office to speak
to the Human Resources Officer. She
went away to have a word with my
new line manager, who then ushered
me into a quiet room for a chat. He
politely explained that he needed to
clarify something: Why could I not
work on Saturdays? Was it because
of religious reasons? I proceeded to
explain about the Sabbath, and he
was obviously intrigued, asking if
I was a Seventh Day Adventist (he
knew something about their beliefs).
He also wanted to know when and
how I kept the Sabbath. Thank God,
after our conversation, my manager
said he would respect my request on
religious grounds and would work
around it, even though at least one
major work event was due to take
place soon on a Saturday.
我一直很幸運，在將近20年的工作生涯中，從來沒有被要求在安息日工作。
然而最近，在簽下一個新工作合約之前，我只看到工作的錄取通知書裡面寫著，需要偶爾在安息日工作。
這是我第一次遇到這樣的事。
所以我到新工作辨公室那裡，向人力資源部人的長官說明。
她走開去向我新工作的主管說幾句話，之後就引領我到一間安靜的會議室好好詳談。
他很有禮貌的表達說，他需要了解和澄清某些事情：為什麼我不能在安息日工作？是不是有宗教上的理由呢？
我接下來就解釋安息日給他聽，很明顯的他就被引起了興趣，就問我是不是一位基督復臨安息日會的信徒，
(因為他了解一些有關這個教派的信仰)。
他也很想知道，在什麼時候，我會用什麼方式來實行安息日。
感謝神，在我們談話之後，我的主管就說，他會尊重我在信仰方面的要求，會在想辨法解決這件事，
即使至少會有一件重要工作上的活動，很快的會在最近舉行，並且就是安息日。
In hindsight, I realize that my new
employer had to take into account UK
equality legislation which supports
the rights of employees to practice
their religion. But I was also grateful
to God that I was already in a job, and
had the option to decline the new
post if working on Saturdays turned
out to be mandatory. It would have
been a dilemma if I did not have an
alternative and our family’s livelihood
depended on me taking the job. That
would have been a real test of faith—
one that I imagine others might have
to go through.
後來我才知道，我的新公司必需要重視英國平等法案，這個法條支持員工有權利來實行他們信仰的自由。
但是我也非常感謝神，我已經有了工作，並且有選擇的自由，來拒絕這個新工作，若是這個工作到最後需要強制在星期六工作的話。
若是我在工作上，沒有選擇的自由，對我來說，這就真的是一種兩難的情況，因為我家庭的生計，都取決在在我去工作。
這樣的情況，就可能成為一個信心的考驗 -
我回想起來，對別人而言，這是一個需要經歷過的試驗，(對作者而言，卻可以跳過)。
While Sabbath-keeping is one of
the Ten Commandments, in practical
terms, no one can compel another
to refrain from working on this day.
Observing the Sabbath has to be done
from personal conviction and a heart
of trust in God’s blessings. In Old
Testament times, God enforced the
Sabbath strictly during the wilderness
years and the settlement period, like
a father teaching his young child the
elementary principles. Harvest time or
otherwise, God required the chosen
people to cease from their labors (Ex
34:21) and stipulated punishment for
the transgressors (Ex 31:14). In this
era of grace and spiritual maturity,
God has etched His law onto our
heart, to enable us to keep it from
the heart (Jer 31:33). For this reason,
there is no more compulsion; the Holy
Spirit’s motivation, if we are attentive
to it, should be sufficient (Ezek 36:26–
27).
因為遵守安息日是十誡其中一，實際上沒有人可以強迫別人，不能在這一天工作。
遵守安息日一定要有自已有確實相信，並且有信賴神的心，相信神會祝福。
舊約的時候，以色列人在曠野，還有定居下來的時候，神嚴格命令他們要遵守安息日，就像一位父親教導小孩一些基本的道理。
收穫的季節，或是其他的時候，神要選民停止自已的勞動，(出 34：21)
並且對於那些犯錯的人，給予處罰。(出 31：14)
在這個恩典和靈性成熟的年代，神把祂的律法刻在我們的心板上。(耶 31：33)
因為這個原因，所以沒有所有強制力；只有聖靈的感動，若是我們留意聖靈的感動，應該就足以幫助我們。
(結 36：26-27)
LIGHT OF THE WORLD 世上的光
“You are the light of the world. A
city that is set on a hill cannot be
hidden…Let your light so shine
before men, that they may see your
good works and glorify your Father
in heaven.” (Mt 5:14, 16)
14你們是世上的光。城造在山上是不能隱藏的。
16你們的光也當這樣照在人前，叫他們看見你們的好行為，便將榮耀歸給你們在天上的父。
(太 5：14，16)
Avoiding Gossip and Backbiting 避免說閒話及背後中傷別人
Where there is no wood, the fire
goes out;
And where there is no talebearer,
strife ceases.
As charcoal is to burning coals, and
wood to fire,
So is a contentious man to kindle
strife.
(Prov 26:20–21)
20火缺了柴就必熄滅；無人傳舌，爭競便止息。
21好爭競的人煽惑爭端，就如餘火加炭，火上加柴一樣。
(箴 26：20-21)
Many people would agree that one
of the banes of working life is office
politics. Staff will often talk about
fellow colleagues and managers: who
has done what, and who has failed to
do what. It creates a bit of drama in
what can be a humdrum working life.
I have noticed that it is during periods
of organizational change that there is
often an increase in the level of gossip
and complaints. People seem to need
an outlet for stress and uncertainty. I
have to confess that I have become
embroiled on occasions. There is
something initially cathartic about
venting and putting the world to rights
when you feel helpless or aggrieved.
But my personal experience is that I
do not feel good afterwards; in fact,
I feel sullied. I have no doubt that
this is the Holy Spirit pricking my
conscience. Gossiping and backbiting
fuel negativity and partisan feelings
in the workplace; taking part means
we grieve the Holy Spirit, whose
nature is peace, goodness, kindness,
longsuffering, and self-control (Gal
5:22– 23)—the opposite of what we
are indulging in.
許多人都會同意，工作場合中，其中一個禍害就是辨公室政治。
員工常常都會討論有關同事和主管的流言：
什麼人作了什麼事，誰又把什麼事搞砸了。
在單調的工作生活中，製造一些有趣的話題。
我就注意到，在組織變動或改革期間，常常增加了許多流言和抱怨。
人們對於壓力和末來的不確定性，似乎需要發洩的出口。
我也必需承認，有時候我也會卷入這些事情。
當你覺得非常無助，或是受到損害的時候，就會有一些事情，可以用來發洩，或是用來把世界變得更好。
但是我個人的經驗是，經過這些事之後，仍然不會感覺很好；事實上，我卻感到受到污染。
我毫無任何疑問，這就是聖靈在刺激我的良心。
說人閒話，以及背後中傷別人，會增加負面的力量，並且在工作場合中形成黨派的氛圍；
參與這些事，就代表我們會讓聖靈擔心，聖靈的本質是和平，良善，仁慈，恆久忍耐，和節制 (加 5：22-23) -
和我們沉迷在其中的許多事情，正好相反。
A good rule is that if an issue does
not concern us and we have no role in
finding a solution, then it is best not
to talk about it. If others want to, we
should leave them to it, change the
subject, or even distance ourselves,
if possible. If it is in our power to
do something about a problem, we
should do so through the proper
channels—for example, by raising
the matter in a constructive manner
directly with the person concerned or
with our supervisor. If that still does
not work, and depending on how
serious the matter is, then it might be
time to review if we are in the right
place.
最好的辨法就是，若是事情和我們沒有關係，我們就沒有立場來尋找解決方案，
所以最好是不要討論這件事。
若是別人想要討論這件事，我們就應該讓他們自已討論，改變談話主題，或甚至有可能的話，自已遠離這些是非。
若是我們有能力，對發生的問題提供一些幫助，我們應該透過合適的管道才作 - 例如，
以建設性的態度，直接向有關的人提起這個問題，或向我們主管提出問題。
若是這樣仍然無法解決問題，仍然要看這事情到底有多嚴重，
若是我們有正確的立場，就會時間的問題來審視這個問題。
Taking part in office politics can
create problems and taint our
character. God’s word instructs us to
do things without complaining and
disputing, so that we can shine and
be above reproach.
參與了辨公室的政治行為，就會產一些問題，敗壞我們的品格。
神的話指教我們不要一邊作事一邊起抱怨和爭端，這麼一來我們才能為主發光，並且遠離斥責。
Do all things without complaining
and disputing, that you may become
blameless and harmless, children of
God without fault in the midst of
a crooked and perverse generation,
among whom you shine as lights in
the world. (Phil 2:14–15)
14凡所行的，都不要發怨言，起爭論，
15使你們無可指摘，誠實無偽，在這彎曲悖謬的世代作神無瑕疵的兒女。你們顯在這世代中，好像明光照耀，
(腓 2：14-15)
Faithfulness 信心
Bondservants, obey in all things your
masters according to the flesh, not
with eye service, as men-pleasers,
but in sincerity of heart, fearing
God. And whatever you do, do it
heartily, as to the Lord and not to
men, knowing that from the Lord
you will receive the reward of the
inheritance; for you serve the Lord
Christ. (Col 3:22–24)
22你們作僕人的，要凡事聽從你們肉身的主人，不要只在眼前事奉，像是討人喜歡的，總要存心誠實敬畏主。
23無論做甚麼，都要從心裡做，像是給主做的，不是給人做的，
24因你們知道從主那裡必得著基業為賞賜；你們所事奉的乃是主基督。
(西 3：22-24)
We have probably come across
certain colleagues who try to do the
minimum in order to get by, those
who watch the clock, or grumble
their way through tasks. Such people
can sap the energy from a team and
hinder progress. The Bible teaches
Christians not to be like this.
我們或許偶爾會偶到某些同事，他會試著作最少的事情，只要事情過得去就好，他們會一直看時鐘，在作自已工作的時候，一直抱怨。
這些人會耗損團隊的精力，並且阻礙工作的進度。
聖經教導我們，不可有這些情形。
Rather, we should have a good
work ethic and be faithful employees.
The key is to have the right attitude
and realize to whom we are truly
accountable. Paul says we should do
our work “as to the Lord” and know
that we are actually “serving the
Lord.” One person who operated by
this principle was Joseph. Sold into
slavery, he had every reason to be
an incalcitrant worker in Potiphar’s
household, and in the prison cells to
which he was later banished; after
all, he had hardly chosen his career
path. However, he rose above his
circumstances to become a model
employee. He did his jobs so well that
his masters did not need to supervise
him; they trusted him to get on with
the work, which he did in a most
faithful manner (Gen 39:5-6, 21–23).
And God, who was his ultimate Master,
recognized his efforts and blessed his
working life. Most pertinently, it was
evident “that the LORD was with him
and that the LORD made all he did
to prosper in his hand” (Gen 39:3). In
short, Joseph’s work ethic became a
testimony to his Gentile masters that
there is a true and living God.
反過來，我們更應該有好的工作倫理觀念，作有一個忠心的員工。
最主要的是要能夠有正確的觀念，並且了解，我們真的到底要對誰來負責。
保羅說，我們應該要作自已的工作，"就像是對主作的一樣"，要知道，我們事實上是在"服事主"。
約瑟就是遵守這個原則的人。
被賣成為奴僕，波提乏的家中，他有各式各樣的理由，成為一個不順服的工人，後來他也被放逐在監牢裡面；
畢竟，他幾乎沒有選擇他職業的機會。
然而，他超越了自已的困苦的環境，成為一個模範的員工。
他把自已的工作做的很好，所以他的主人不需監督他；
他們都很信賴他來進行所有的工作，因為他會用最忠心的態度來完成他的工作。(創 39：5-6，21-23)
而神，祂是最終的主宰，承認了他的努力，並且祝福他的職場生涯。
最適切的來說，很明顯的是，"3他主人見耶和華與他同在，又見耶和華使他手裡所辦的盡都順利"。(創 39：3)
簡言之，約瑟的工作道德觀，讓他在外邦主人的眼中成為一種見証，也了解到，有一位又真又活的神。
In past years, I did not have much
reason to think about Paul’s words
in Colossians 3:22–24—at least not
until things got difficult at one of my
workplaces. Management changes
led to practices that felt unreasonable,
unfair and authoritarian to many of us
in the team. Needless to say, morale
was at an all-time low. Up until then,
I always did my best, but now I was
wondering what the point was: if the
company did not value its employees,
why put in so much effort? However,
in the recesses of my mind, I recalled
Paul’s words. I made up my mind
that, while I would tender my
resignation, I would continue doing
my job to the best of my ability up
until my departure date—as for God,
not man. From that moment, it was
very liberating: I was able to do my
job and feel at peace, knowing that
God would approve. It was much
better than wasting time and energy
wallowing in resentment. Much to my
amusement, this approach puzzled
some of my colleagues, one of whom
asked me directly, “Why are you
continuing to do things for them?”
過去幾年，我並沒有太多理由，來好好保羅的話，在歌羅西書三章22-24節， -
一直都沒有這麼想過，直到我工作場合中，事情變得複雜和困難。
管理階層的變動，導致實務上，變得不合理，不公平，在我們的團隊中，要面對上級獨裁的情況。
更不要說，團隊的士氣，無論在什麼時候都很低迷。
直到那個時候，我總是盡自已的力量，但是現在我會想，這一切到底有什麼意義：
若是公司並不會重視自已的員工，為什麼還要投入這麼多的心力呢？
然而，在我的內心深處，我回想了保羅的話。
我下定決心，在我還可以軟化辭意的時候，我會繼續自已的工作，盡我自已的能力，直到我離世的日子-這一切都為了神，都不是了人。
從那個時候開始，我就得到了釋放。我可以盡我的力量，並且感到平安，而且也知道，主必預備。
這會比浪費時間和精力，一直沉浸在怨恨之中，還更加美好。
令我高興的是，這種方式讓我許多同事都感到疑惑，他們其中之一就直接問我，
"為什麼你還繼續為他們作許多事情呢？"
She was obviously expecting me to
wind down, which was tempting, to
say the least. In that difficult period,
a number of us resigned from the
company in quick succession. On a
personal level, I was able to leave the
organization with a clear conscience,
knowing God had blessed the work I
did, leaving no loose ends. I then went
on to experience His guidance in the
next leg of my employment journey.
她很明顯地希望我可以平靜下來，退一步來說，這看起來真的很引誘人。
在那一段困難的時間裡，我們之中有許多人接二連三的，很快從公司辭職了。
對個人來說，我可以有一顆清潔的良心，離開這間公司，
知道神已經祝福我所作的工作，沒有以失敗收場。
然後我繼續在另一個職業生涯旅程中，體驗到祂的帶領。
Integrity 正直
The people with whom we share office
space will have different personalities,
backgrounds, ambitions, motivations,
and even levels of morality. To this
day, what some employees are
capable of doing still astounds me.
In the workplace, I have witnessed
arguments, dishonesty, falsification
of records, lateness, theft, unfair
employment procedures and bullying.
I could go on. What is even more
disconcerting is that managers have
been complicit in some of the issues.
One might wonder, What is the world
coming to?
和我們一起共用辨公室的人，都有不同的人格，背景，野心，動機，甚至有不同水準的道德觀 。
直到今日，一些員工可以作到的事情，仍然嚇到我。
我職場上，我見識到爭議，不誠實，偽造文件，遲到，偷竊，不公平的雇用程序，以及職場霸凌。
我可以繼續下去。
但更另人不安的，就是管理階層在某些事情上，有所串通。
有人或許會想，到底世界會變成什麼樣呢？
The fact is, we will probably witness
things in the workplace that are
just not right. But we should not be
surprised. When people do not know
or fear God, or lack a conscience, they
will simply do what is right in their own
eyes, or whatever it takes to reach
their own ends. What is important for
us is whether we are able to conduct
ourselves professionally and with
integrity, even when those around us
do not. And more importantly, can we
proactively shine for God?
事實是，我們很有可能會在職場上，見証到完全不對的事情。
但是我們不應該感到驚訝。
當人不認識神，或是不敬畏神，或是沒有良心，他們只會作那些在他們眼中看為正的事，或是不計任何代價，去達成他們的目標。
對我們而言，重要的是，是否我們可以在職場上，有專業的表現，並且可以為人正直，即使是那些在我們身邊的人，都不是正直的時候。
而更重要的是，我們是不是可以主動為神發光？
Elder Peter exhorts us to keep our
behavior “honorable among the
Gentiles” (1 Pet 2:12). What they
see of us will form a testimony in
the future judgment. And so, in this
lifetime, we should not give anyone
grounds to bring shame to Jesus’
name. We need to be careful to act
with integrity at all times. Our speech
and actions should be in line with
our status as children of God. Where
necessary, we may even need to go
against the grain. For example, if we
see colleagues being bullied, we can
try to change the culture through
our own speech and actions. How
we deal with others can help change
team dynamics, leave an impression,
and hopefully cause those around us
to reflect on their own behavior.
彼得長老勸戒我們要保守自已的行為，"在外邦人中，應當品行端正"(彼前 2：12)。
在他們眼中所看到的我們，將來在審判的時候，就會是一種見証。
就是因為這樣，在今生的時候，我們不應該讓任何人有餘地來差辱耶穌的名。
我們一定要非常小心，無論任何時刻，都要有正直的行為。
我們的言語和行為，都應該和我們的身份相稱，因為我們是神的兒女。
只要是有需要的地方，即使是違反我們的意願，我們或許需要往前去。
例如，若是我們看到同事被別人霸凌了，我們可以透過自已的表達和行為，來試著改變這種文化。
我們是如何與別人相處的，也可以幫助改變團隊互動的氛圍，留下一個好印象，最後希望可以讓那些在我們身邊的人，好好想想他們自已的行為。
Also, if it is in our power to do so,
we should highlight unacceptable and
illegal behavior, through the proper
channels. This is both a professional
and a moral duty. It may entail
speaking to one’s line manager or a
more senior manager, alerting them
to take stock and make changes.
If nothing happens despite our
feedback, and we cannot tolerate the
status quo, then we have the privilege
of asking our heavenly Father to guide
us to find a better employer. But we
need to remember that the world is
an imperfect place, and I doubt there
is a workplace that does not have
problems. There is much to be said,
then, for Elder Peter’s advice, which
reminds us that if we cannot change a
negative situation, we might need to
change ourselves:
另外，若這是我們能力所能作到的事，我們應該要透過適合的管道，去強調那些不能被接受，以及不法的行為。
這不但是專業上的責任，也是我們道德上的責任。
這或許需要去向個人的直屬上司加以說明，或是向更資深的經理人加以反應，警告他們要去評估情況，並且作一些改變。
若是雖然我們已經向上反應了，但還是沒有什麼改變，而且我們也不能忍受這種現狀的話，
那麼我們就有特權，來向天上的父神請求，請他指引我們找到一個更好的老闆。
但是我們要記得，世界是一個不完美的地方，而且我很懷疑，真的有一個職場是完全沒有任何問題的嗎？
我有很多話想說，接下來，來自彼得長老的勸告，可以用來提醒我們，
若是我們不能改變負面的情勢，我們就可能要改變我們自已：
Servants, be submissive to your
masters with all fear, not only to
the good and gentle, but also to
the harsh. For this is commendable,
if because of conscience toward
God one endures grief, suffering
wrongfully. (1 Pet 2:18-19)
18你們作僕人的，凡事要存敬畏的心順服主人；不但順服那善良溫和的，就是那乖僻的也要順服。
19倘若人為叫良心對得住神，就忍受冤屈的苦楚，這是可喜愛的。
(彼前 2：18-19)
Here, Peter tells us to bear with a
harsh or unreasonable employer—for
the sake of God. Indeed, to retaliate
would hardly bring glory to Him. Easier
said than done, we may think, but it
is by no means impossible, when we
think of the attitude of Jesus. While
He never shirked from defending the
things that mattered in relation to His
salvation ministry—the truth and the
rights of the oppressed—He meekly
endured being wronged on a personal
level, time and time again, even to the
point of death on the cross. When we
consider the degree of suffering He
had to bear, our mundane problems
pale in comparison. And we may find
that our troubles can be redefined
through a change of perspective and
an increase in spiritual cultivation.
在這裡，彼得告訴我們要忍受苛刻和不講理的老闆 - 為了神的原故。
是的，若是去報復的話，將很難把榮耀歸給神。
說起來很容易，但要實行卻很困難，我們可以想想，但它絕對不是不可能的事，我們可以想想耶穌的態度。
他從來沒有逃避，去辯護有關祂救贖事工的事情 - 為了真理，為了受壓迫之人的權利而發聲 -
他謙卑地承受一切，在個人的事上被人錯怪，一次又一次，甚至直到十字架上死亡的終點。
當我們想到祂必需受苦的程度，我們世俗的許多問題，就不值得一提了。
我們或許會發現，自已的困難可以透過改變自已的觀點，並且以增進靈性造就的角度來看，就可以重新看待我們的苦難。
CONCLUSION 結論
The workplace is one arena in which
we need to live out our Christian life,
and this is important simply because
we spend so much time there. We
should therefore endeavor to use it
well to witness for God through our
daily interactions with those around
us. God’s standards, which are higher
than any workplace standards,
challenge us to declare our faith before
others, keep His commandments, be
kind and considerate in our speech,
serve as faithful employees, and act
with integrity. By doing these things,
we can shine the light of Jesus Christ
in a small but significant way.
職場上就像是一個舞台，我們在其中，需要活出自已基督徒生活的樣式，
這件事會變得很重要，只因為我們會花很多時間待在那裡。
所以，我們應該要致力於來好好利用這段時間，透過我們每天和周圍的人互動，來加以見証神。
神的標準，是比任何職場上的標準更高，挑戰我們在別人面前，宣揚我們自已的信仰，
遵守祂的誡命，在言語上可以待人體貼又仁慈，作好一個忠心員工的角色，行為正直。
藉著作到這些事情，我們可以為了耶穌基督發光，亮光雖然微小，但卻很顯著而有效。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
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