4. Manna issue 87 - Living The Rest Of Our Time 度餘下的光陰
Manna 87: Feed My Lambs, Tend My Sheep 嗎哪 87 期：餵養羊群
Based on sermons by Shen Chuan Chen—Taichung, Taiwan
參考台灣台中 陳勝全長老的講道
Editor’s note:
This article is based on two sermons delivered by Elder Shen Chuan Chen
during a Senior Members’ Day service in Singapore,
to a congregation of senior members and their family members.
編者按：
本文基於新加坡敬老聚會期間，陳勝全長老闡述的二篇講道，
勉勵年長的信徒及其家庭成員。
After some missteps in his life of faith, Peter the impulsive fisherman matured
—with the guidance of the Holy Spirit
—into a faithful apostle courageously bringing the gospel to the ends of the earth.
He became a pillar of the church, tirelessly strengthening his brethren.
His epistles, 1 and 2 Peter, are filled with the wisdom of an elderly man,
and set important standards to which believers of all ages should adhere.
“Living the rest of our time” is a phrase that comes from this elderly apostle.
經過了信仰生活些許失誤之後，衝動的魚夫彼得終於變成熟了
-因著聖靈的引領
-成為了一位忠心的使徒，勇敢地將福音傳到地極。
他成為教會的支柱，奮鬥不懈地堅固眾位弟兄姐妹。
他所寫的書信，彼得前後書，其中充滿了一位長者的智慧，
並設定了重要標準，讓所有年齡的信徒可以遵守。
“度餘下的光陰”這詞語就是來自這位年長的使徒。
THE RIGHT ATTITUDE TO LIFE 正確看待生命的態度
Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh,
arm yourselves also with the same mind,
for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men,
but for the will of God.
(1 Pet 4:1–2)
1基督既在肉身受苦，你們也當將這樣的心志作為兵器，因為在肉身受過苦的，就已經與罪斷絕了。
2你們存這樣的心，從今以後就可以不從人的情慾，只從神的旨意在世度餘下的光陰。
(彼前 4：1-2)
Everybody hopes for comfortable and smooth-sailing lives.
However, the complacency that may seep into such lives could cloud our spiritual vision.
Material affluence, status and influence are common life goals.
Yet, mindless pursuit and enjoyment of such goals will gradually erode our spiritual wellbeing.
God, therefore, gives us some suffering as a test,
to help us check the direction of our lives.
Peter advises us that having the right attitude towards such suffering is a useful weapon.
It helps us to remain watchful and separate ourselves from sin.
After learning to suffer for Christ, we will no longer live indulgently.
每個人都希望生活舒適，順暢。
但是，自滿的態度，可能會滲入生活，而遮住我們的屬靈視野。
物質富裕，地位和影響力，是一般人共同的人生目標。
但是，盲目追求及這些目標帶來的享受，將逐漸侵蝕我們靈命的健康。
因此，神給了我們一些痛苦，作為考驗，
來幫助我們檢視自已生活的方向。
彼得建議我們，對這種苦難採取正確的態度，是很有用的武器。
它幫助我們保持警醒，使自己遠離罪惡。
經由學會為基督受苦之後，我們將不再過著放縱的生活。
In the past, we lived like Gentiles:
pursuing the things of the world, eating, drinking, and making merry (1 Pet 4:3).
This might have seemed to be the ideal life,
but Peter warns us that this is foolishness.
No one knows how much time we have in this world.
As in the parable of the ten virgins,
will we be ready to take our place with the Bridegroom when He arrives unexpectedly,
or will we be caught unprepared (Mt 25:1–13)?
Young or old, we must make the most of our remaining time by living in obedience to the will of God.
過去，我們過著的生活像外邦人一樣：
追求今世的事物，享用美食，飲酒作樂（彼前 4：3）。
這看起似乎是很理想的生活，
但是彼得警告我們，這樣是很愚蠢的。
沒有人知道，我們在這個世界上有多少時間。
就如十個童女的比喻一樣，
當新郎突然到來的時候，我們準備好陪他同去嗎，
還是會發現我們正有點措手不及呢？（太 25：1-13）
不論年齡大小，我們都必須充分善用餘下的時光，過著順從神旨意的日子。
For believers reaching their silver years,
what adjustments should they make in their daily and spiritual lives to live the rest of their time well?
What support can the church and their families provide?
當信徒年紀到達了白銀歲月，
他們在日常生活和屬靈生活中，要進行哪些調整，才能好好善用剩餘時間？
教會及家人可以提供什麼幫助呢？
MAKING THE BEST OF YOUR SILVER YEARS 活出最好的白銀歲月
1. Make Homes Safer 改善居家環境安全
As we age, more health issues crop up and we tend to be less steady in our movements.
Hence, to ensure that we live the rest of our time in a reasonably healthy state,
we must modify our living environment
—specifically, our facilities at home.
Interestingly, this element of physical safety can be found in a construction-related biblical passage!
隨著年齡的增長，越來越多的健康問題浮出水面，我們的行動作也日漸無法穩定。
因此，為了確保接下來的歲月中，自已都處於合宜健康的狀態，
我們必須改善自已的生活環境
-特別是我們在居家設施。
有趣的是，人身安全的這一要素，可以在聖經段落中，找到有關房屋建構的指示！
“When you build a new house, then you shall make a parapet for your roof,
that you may not bring guilt of bloodshed on your household if anyone falls from it.”
(Deut 22:8)
8你若建造房屋，要在房上的四圍安欄杆，免得有人從房上掉下來，流血的罪就歸於你家。
(申 22：8)
Israelite homes had flat roofs on which people could walk.
Homeowners were thus instructed to incorporate this safety feature:
a parapet to prevent people from falling.
Similarly, our homes may have been built or decorated to our previous tastes.
However, if we have reached our silver years or have elderly parents and relatives living with us,
we should take note of what additional fixtures, fittings or layout changes are needed
to make the home senior-friendly.
To minimize the likelihood of accidental falls,
it becomes necessary to make modifications
such as railings for the stairs and in bathrooms, better lit rooms, night lights, and so on.
In fact, even the type of accommodation may need to be reviewed.
While a house with two or three stories is ideal for a large family,
it may be more practical for elderly members to downsize to smaller apartments or single-story homes
if they are living on their own.
以色列人的房屋，設有供人們行走的平坦屋頂。
因此，房主被要求結合以下安全功能：
設立防止人們跌倒的欄杆。
同樣的情況，我們的房屋，可能是按照自已以前的品味建造，或裝修而成的。
然而，如果我們已經達到白銀年齡，或有年邁的父母及親戚，與我們一起生活，
我們應注意，需要有哪些其他的固定裝置，設備家俱或室內佈局的變更，才能使居家環境對長者的行動更加友善。
為了最大程度地減少意外跌倒的可能性，
就有必要進行變更設計，
例如，樓梯和浴室的裝設欄杆，光線充足的房間，小夜燈等。
實際上，甚至住宿類型，也可能需要好好檢查一下。
雖然，兩三層樓的房子，很適合容納一個大家庭，
對於老年人來說，如果他們只是自己生活，將其縮小為較小的公寓，或單層房屋可能更實際。
2. Make Services More Convenient 聚會更方便
Secondly, aging also means that we tire more easily and, with poorer eyesight,
travelling at night may not be as convenient as it was when we were younger.
This makes attending evening services challenging for elderly members.
It would be a pity if such members who are eager to attend services are hindered from doing so
because of physical frailty.
A solution adopted by some of the churches in Taiwan is to change some evening services to morning services.
Undoubtedly, when we adjust service times,
there may be misconceptions about the nature of the service, and the target audience.
But these can be overcome.
其次，老化就代表了，我們會更容易疲勞，視力較差，
晚上旅行，可能不像我們年輕時那樣方便。
這使得參加晚間聚會，對年長的信徒而言，特別具有挑戰性。
如果因為身體虛弱，這些想要參加聚會的信徒受到了阻礙，那就特別的可惜。
台灣一些教會採用的解決方案，是將某些夜間聚會，改為早晨聚會。
毫無疑問地，當我們調整聚會時間的時候，
對於聚會的性質和聚會聽眾，可能存有誤解。
但是這些都是可以克服。
Another schedule adjustment made in some Taiwanese churches
is to hold the morning prayer service at a later time.
In eastern Taiwan, believers from the the A-Mei tribe used to hold their morning prayer services at 4 a.m.
Getting to church before daylight may be manageable for the middle-aged,
but could be unsafe for those in their seventies or eighties.
Therefore, the church decided to begin morning prayers at 9 a.m.
so that the elderly believers could participate.
Later, some churches in central Taiwan adopted this service time change,
enabling more retirees to come to worship the Lord.
某些台灣教會，又進行了聚會時間的調整
就是在稍晚的時間，舉行早禱會。
在台灣東部，阿美部落的信徒，曾經在凌晨4點舉行早禱會。
對於中年人來說，在天亮之前去教會聚會，也許是可以加以控制的，
但對於70或80多歲的人來說，可能就很不安全了。
因此，教會決定在上午9點開始早禱會。
讓年長的信徒可以參加。
後來，台灣中部的一些教會，就採用了這種聚會時間的變更，
讓更多的退休信徒，可以來敬拜神。
Having services start a little later has also been useful in prolonging the time
that these retired members can enjoy fellowship with each other.
In the church at Feng Lian, morning prayer takes place from 9 to 9.30 a.m.
Afterwards, these elderly members enjoy catching up with each other over tea.
This arrangement has lasted for almost ten years now,
indicating that there is a growing group of people who want to draw close to God and to each other,
encouraging each other to sustain their faith as they grow old together.
讓聚會時間稍為晚一點開始，也有助於延長時間
給這些退休信徒，可以彼此享有團契。
在 Feng Lian (花蓮?) 教會，早上祈禱會時間為上午9點至9點半。
之後，這些年長的信徒，可以經由喝茶的，享受彼此交通。
這樣的安排，已經持續了將近了十年，
表明了，有越來越多的人，想要親近神，同時親近彼此，
當他們一同變老的時候，彼此鼓勵保守自己的信仰。
The Bible is full of exemplars who maintained their faith well into old age.
In the Old Testament, we see Jacob first as a man anxious to get as much as he could out of secular life.
However, in later life, he had little care for the matters of the world (Gen 47:9, 28).
His main priority was to draw close to God
—worshipping Him whilst leaning on the head of his staff,
even as he was close to his last breaths (Heb 11:21).
In the New Testament, Luke tells us of Anna the prophetess,
who worshipped night and day, fasting and praying into her old age
(Lk 2:36–38).
聖經中充滿了榜樣，他們一直保守自已的信仰到年老。
在舊約中，我們首先看到雅各，是一個充滿焦慮的人，渴望在世俗生活中盡可能地攫取。
但是，他以後的生活中，卻對世界的事毫不留念（創 47：9，28）。
他的首要選擇要作的事，是親近神
-倚靠著杖頭，敬拜神，
即使快到了，他吸最後一口氣的時候（來 11:21）。
《新約》裡，路加告訴我們有女先知亞拿，
在她年經老邁的時候，日夜事奉神，禁食禱告
（路 2：36–38）。
Similarly, we have exemplary believers today.
There was an elderly sister in central Taiwan
who was part of the first generation of True Jesus Church believers.
Hailing from a village church, she had been baptized at a very young age.
On one of my visits, I found her sitting in bed reading her Bible.
I asked her how much she read each day.
She replied, “Whenever I feel like reading the Bible, I just read it.”
Her frailty may have confined her to bed,
but she did not allow that to stop her from reading the Bible.
Sometimes she read for so long that her daughter-in-law would make her take a break,
and take her out for a stroll.
This sister was ninety years old at that time.
Despite her advanced years, she still had such a great thirst for the word of God.
同樣，我們今日亦有很多模範的信徒。
中台灣有一位年長的姐妹，她是第一代真耶穌教會信徒的一份子。
她來自於鄉下教會，很小的時候就接受洗禮。
有一次我去訪問，發現她坐在床上看聖經。
我問她每天讀多少章節。
她回答說：“每當我想讀聖經的時候，就會閱讀。”
她虛弱的情況，可能限制了她只能留在床上，
但是她不容忍這樣的情況，來阻止她閱讀聖經。
有時她讀了很長的時間，以至於她媳婦會強迫她休息一下，
帶她出去外面逛逛
當時那個姐妹已經九十歲了。
儘管她年事已高，但是對神的話語，仍然懷抱著極大的渴望。
There was another elderly Hakka believer who had been a teacher.
After he retired, he resolved to copy the Bible by hand.
In fact, he had already copied the Bible at least once previously.
還有另外一位客家人的老信徒，以前是當老師的。
在退休以後，他下定決心要用手抄寫聖經。
實際上，他以前至少已經抄過一次聖經了。
Doing all of these different activities
—praying, singing hymns, reading the Bible, copying out Bible passages
—enables our elderly members to encourage one other when they gather.
Some believers may have previously been too busy with their careers or families to focus on their faith.
They may now feel a void in their lives because they are retired
or their children have grown up and left the family homes.
This is a good time for them to strengthen or rebuild their faith.
Therefore, churches should consider what sort of logistical adjustments can be made
—service times, transport arrangements, assigned workers
—to facilitate this.
從事這些全部不同的活動，
-祈禱，唱讚美詩，閱讀聖經，抄寫經節，
－使我們這些年長的信徒，聚會時，可以互相鼓勵。
有一些信徒，以前可能太忙於自己的職業或家庭，以致於無法專心信仰。
他們現在可能會因為退休，或他們的孩子長大了，離開家獨立自主，
而感到的生活很空虛。
這是他們而言，這是加強或重建信仰的好時機。
因此，教會應該考慮，可以進行什麼樣合理的教會調整
—調整聚會時間，接送通勤安排，指派那些工人
-以促使完成這項工作。
3. Make the Effort to Dress Up 注重穿著打扮
Thirdly, there are also personal adjustments that an elderly member has to make in his or her life.
Some feel that, given their advanced years,
they can live in any way they want.
So they do not bother to dress up
before leaving the house or take care of their personal hygiene.
“Who’s going to bother looking at an old person?” is a common excuse.
But an elderly brother once commented,
“Since I am getting old, I need to dress nice and smart.”
This brother was so particular that he took three showers a day!
In short, age should not be an excuse for untidy dressing or neglecting personal hygiene.
We go through the trouble of dressing up in our best for a special occasion.
Dressing up for services, especially for Sabbath, reflects how we view coming to worship God.
It is also a sign of respect toward our brethren in the community of faith.
第三，老年人在其男女生活中，還必須進行適合個人的調整。
有人認為，鑑於他們的年歲已高，
他們可以按照自己想要的任何方式生活。
所以離開家之前, 他們不用費心打扮
或特別要注意個人衛生。
“誰會費心注意一個老人？” 這是一個常見的藉口。
但是一個年長弟兄曾經評斷說，
“自我變老以來，我需要穿得瀟灑漂亮。”
這個兄弟很特別，以至於他每天洗三次澡！
簡而言之，年齡不應該成為穿著不整潔，或忽視個人衛生的藉口。
遇到特殊場合，我們會竭盡全力精心打扮。
聚會時服裝整齊，特別是安息日的時候，反應了我們如何看待前來敬拜神的事。
這也是我們對信仰團契的弟兄姐妹，表示的尊重的表徵。
4. Learn to Let Go 學會割捨
A fourth adjustment we can make is in household management.
Specifically, we have to learn to let go of the reins.
When we were young, our parents led the way.
When we had families of our own, we were the heads of our households
and made the decisions for our families.
But as we age, our physical and mental stamina decrease.
We do things more slowly and become more forgetful.
This is the time that we should start handing over the baton of family leadership.
While we have a lifetime of experience in many matters
that our children and grandchildren can benefit from,
there are also many areas where they may know better.
Hence, we must also start to heed the advice of our children and their spouses,
rather than insist on deciding everything for ourselves.
我們可以進行的第四項調整，是家庭管理。
具體來說，我們必須學會放開掌控力。
當還小時候，父母就負責帶頭作決定。
當擁有自己的家庭的時候，我們就是家長，
要替我們的家庭做出許多決定。
但隨著年齡的增長，我們的體力和意志力會下降。
做起事來慢吞吞，而且很健忘。
這就是，我們應該開始交出家庭領導權的時候。
雖然我們在很多事情上，具有一生之久的經驗
可以使後代子孫從中得益，
但還有很多地方，他們可能更了解。
因此，我們必須開始，要留心子女及其配偶，所給的建議，
而不是堅持要自己決定一切。
Conflicts can arise even if all parties have the best intentions and love for each other.
This is because, as human beings, our thought processes differ.
As the senior generation, we should be conscious that while our children honor and respect us,
they too have grown up and are capable of making good decisions.
Therefore, we should entrust all household matters to the next generation.
即使大家都是出於好意，而且彼此相愛，還是會有衝突產生。
這是因為，作為人，我們的思路是不一樣的。
作為長輩，我們應該意識到，儘管我們的孩子以我們為榮，並且尊重我們，
他們也已經長大了，能夠做出正確的決定。
因此，我們應該將所有家庭事務，委託給下一代。
A common source of conflict is the education of our grandchildren.
We may occasionally disagree with how our children are teaching the next generation,
but we must entrust our grandchildren to their parents.
For example, when there are contrasting ways of child discipline within a family,
it will be confusing to the child and will only end in conflict.
When our children scold and punish our grandchildren,
we can comfort the latter afterwards but never interfere during the disciplining process.
Raising grandchildren is not the responsibility of grandparents,
because we no longer have the strength and vitality to do so.
Complement our children’s efforts, but do not contradict or try to overrule them.
一般衝突的根源，是對我們孫子輩的教育安排。
我們有時可能會不同意，自已孩子如何教導他們下一代，
但是，我們一定要把孫子托負給他們的父母。
例如，當家庭中，有不同的管教孩童方式的時候，
這就會使孩子感到困惑，並且結果只會產生衝突。
當我們的子女，責罵孫子孫女的時候，
我們可以在事後，才安慰後者，但絕不可在管教的過程中，強行干預。
撫養孫子不再是祖父母的責任，
因為我們不再有這樣做的力量和體力。
要與子女的努力相輔相成，但不要與他們作法相抵觸，或試圖否決他們。
Another issue is sickness.
Many elderly members keep quiet about their illnesses and refuse to visit the doctor.
We have to let our family know.
For Christians, there are only two paths to take when we are sick.
First, pray.
Whether it be a major or minor illness: pray.
But if the problem persists, we must seek medical attention.
Some elders choose to endure their ailments quietly
because they do not want to trouble their busy children.
But when the untreated illness gets worse,
it will become a greater burden on the whole family.
Therefore, the moment we feel ill, pay attention.
Do not dismiss it or hide it from our children.
Our children will help us to determine the next steps.
While we may feel we have more experience or we know our body best,
do not forget that we are no longer young.
另一個問題是疾病。
許多年長信徒對自己的疾病保持沉默，並且拒絕看醫生。
我們必須要讓家人知道。
對於基督徒來說，生病時只有兩條路可以選。
首先，跪下來禱告。
無論是生大病，還是小毛病：要先禱告。
但若是仍然有問題，就必須要尋求醫療的照護。
有一些長者選擇安靜地承受疾病，
因為他們不想麻煩自已很忙碌的孩子。
但是當疾病沒有治療，而變得更加惡化時，
就將成為整個家庭的更大負擔。
因此，當我們感到不適時，就要多加注意。
不要忽視疾病，或對我們子女隱藏。
我們子女會幫助我們決定下一步要怎麼作。
雖然我們可能覺得自己有很多的經驗，或者最了解自己的身體，
不要忘記我們不再年輕了。
HOW CAN CHILDREN SUPPORT THEIR ELDERLY PARENTS 子女如何幫助年長的雙親
Those reaching their retirement years in recent times (the Baby Boomer Generation)
are generally better educated and more affluent than their parents’ generation.
Many of them have savings, which, together with other changes in social attitudes,
have led to a lower expectation of children caring for their elderly parents.
However, for Christians, as a moral principle,
it is important for us to provide for and look after our parents.
It is one of God’s commandments that we honor our parents (Ex 20:12).
In fact, this is a commandment so important that the apostle Paul repeats it
(Eph 6:2),
and reminds us that those who do not care for their own families are worse than non-believers (1 Tim 5:8).
那些到達快要退休年齡的人（嬰兒潮世代）
通常比他們父母那代人，受過更好的教育，生活更加富裕。
他們許多人都有儲蓄，再加上社會價值觀的其他變化，
這導致了子女，對於要照料年邁雙親的準備心態降低。
但是，對於基督徒而言，孝順父母是一種道德原則，
對我們更重要的是，要養育和照顧父母。
孝敬父母是神的誡命之一（出 20:12）。
實際上，這是非常重要的誡命，是使徒保羅一再提起的
（弗 6：2）
他提醒我們，那些不照顧自己家中成員的人，比那些未信者更糟糕（提前 5：8）。
The patriarch Jacob came to Egypt when he was 130 years old and died at the age of 147
(Gen 47:9, 28).
Jacob lived out his final seventeen years in Egypt.
Not coincidentally, Joseph was seventeen years old when he was sold to Egypt.
In other words, Jacob looked after his son for seventeen years.
When Jacob was old, Joseph “repaid” those seventeen years.
Young people should consider the length of time
their parents have spent providing for and taking care of them.
This, then, is the time one should spend caring for their parents.
Although society has changed drastically,
we should heed biblical examples and ancient wisdom to show care and concern for our parents.
先祖雅各，130歲的時候，來到埃及，於147歲逝世。
（創 47：9，28）。
雅各在埃及，度過了最後的十七年。
約瑟被賣給埃及的時候，剛好十七歲，這並非是偶然的。
換句話說，雅各養育了兒子十七年。
雅各年老時，約瑟“償還”了那十七年。
年輕人，應該思考父母花在照顧和照顧他們身上的時間長短。
因此，這應該就是，人要拿出來，照顧父母的時間。
儘管社會發生了劇烈的變化，
我們應該注意聖經中的典範，及古老的智慧，以表達對父母的照顧及關心。
Another way of honoring and caring for our parents is to not bring them shame.
In the Old Testament, an example of children who brought great
—if not the greatest
—shame to their parents is the two sons of Eli the high priest.
Their egregious acts culminated in the most humiliating time in Israelite history:
when the ark of covenant, symbol of the Lord God’s presence, was taken captive (1 Sam 4:19–22).
A key warning from the entire series of events is summarized in the name Ichabod,
which means “the glory has departed from Israel.”
Eli was not a wicked man.
After all, he had once received the revelation of God
—the Lord spoke with him.
His family ought to have been a glorious family.
But in his old age, Eli’s sons caused his humiliation and the family’s downfall.
They held the offices of judge and prophet,
but brought unprecedented calamity upon the family and nation.
尊重和照顧父母的另一種方式，就是不要讓他們感到羞恥。
舊約聖經裡，有一個例子，子女造成很大羞恥，
-即是不是最糟最壞的恥辱
-這子女讓父母感到羞恥的例子，就是大祭司以利的兩個兒子。
他們的明目張瞻殘酷壞事，在以色列歷史上，那些最可恥的時期之中，達到了頂點：
當約櫃，象徵了神的臨在，被俘虜了（撒上 4：19-22）。
整起一系列事件中最主要的警告，都包含在 "Ichabod 以迦博"這個名字作為總結，
這個名字的意思是“榮耀已經離開以色列。”
以利不是一個壞人。
畢竟，他曾經獲得神的啟示
以前耶和華都和他說話。
他的家族本該是一個很榮耀的家庭。
但是他年老的時候，以利的眾子帶給他恥辱，以及這個家庭的衰敗。
他們擔任審判官和先知的工作，
但給家庭和國家帶來了空前的災難。
The lesson to our young believers today is a reminder to keep our faith.
This is the greatest hope of all God-fearing parents.
Such parents are greatly comforted when they see their offspring serving faithfully in church.
Conversely, children who draw further and further away from the church cause great anxiety in their parents.
Therefore, let us maintain and keep our faith so that we do not see a repeat of Ichabod in our lives.
今日這個給我們年輕信徒的教訓，是提醒我們要保守自已的信仰。
這是所有敬畏神的父母，抱有的最大期望。
當這些父母看到自己的子女，在教會忠心服事神的時候，就會感到極大的安慰。
相反地，那些遠離教會越來越遠的子女，就會讓父母產生極大的憂慮。
因此，讓我們保守並維持我們的信仰，這樣我們的生活中，才不會看到命名"以迦博"的情況。
The third aspect about caring for our parents is our attitude towards them.
照顧父母的第三個面向，就是我們面對他們的態度
Hear, my children, the instruction of a father,
And give attention to know understanding;
For I give you good doctrine:
Do not forsake my law.
When I was my father’s son,
Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother,
He also taught me, and said to me:
“Let your heart retain my words;
Keep my commands, and live.” (Prov 4:1–4)
1眾子啊，要聽父親的教訓，留心得知聰明。
2因我所給你們的是好教訓；不可離棄我的法則（或譯：指教）。
3我在父親面前為孝子，在母親眼中為獨一的嬌兒。
4父親教訓我說：你心要存記我的言語，遵守我的命令，便得存活。
(箴 4：1-4)
Times have changed since our parents entered adulthood,
so our ways of thinking will inevitably differ from theirs.
But differences should not be an excuse for disrespect.
In ancient societies, elders were held in great esteem
as the source of deep wisdom drawn from life experience.
However, in the last thirty to fifty years,
there has been a dramatic decline in the status of the elderly.
One reason is the rise of computers, which has revolutionized our society.
Children and young people today are known as digital natives
—they seem to understand technology and all things digital almost instinctively.
On the other hand, older people are far less knowledgeable or comfortable in this arena.
Such a digital divide has had a massive impact on households.
In the past, parents would be the ones guiding children through their academic work.
Today, young children impatiently tell their elders off for being unable to handle their digital devices.
This is a simple example of how technology appears to have ushered in different values and culture.
自從父母成年以來，時代已經改變了，
因此我們的想法，將不可避免地與他們的有所不同。
但是，想法差異的情況，不應成為不受尊重的藉口。
在古代社會中，長者被待以極大的尊榮，因為從他們的生活經驗中，可成為汲取艱深智慧的源泉。
但是，在過去的三到五十年中，
老年人的地位卻急劇下降。
原因之一就是電腦的興起，徹底革命性地改變了我們的社會。
今天的兒童和年輕人，被稱為數位時代的原生族民
-他們看起來，就幾乎是本能地了解科技和數位化的所有事物。
另一方面，老年人對此領域的知識或熟悉度，就降低很多。
這種數字鴻溝，對家庭產生了巨大衝擊。
以前的時候，父母就是那個指導子女完成學業的人。
如今年輕的孩子，會因長輩無法好好使用電子數位設備，而不耐煩叫他們走。
這只是一個簡單的例子，說明科技似乎已經引入了不同的價值觀和文化。
However, our young people must remember that,
one day, they too will age and be slower to grasp the prevailing technology.
Apart from humility and considering others better than ourselves (Phil 2:3),
a critical attitude for the young and technologically-proficient is to remember what is important.
Advances in science and technology can improve the standard of living.
But these are only gadgets and tools.
Do not be so immersed in these that we forget the things that are essential to life:
our God, our faith and harmony in our homes.
These should be the areas that we invest our time and effort in because they truly improve the quality of life.
但是，我們的年輕人必須記住這一點，
有一天，他們也會變老，對那些很先進技術，也會反應很慢。
除了保持謙卑，也要認為別人比我們更好（腓 2：3），
會針對年輕人，及那些熟練新科技的人有這樣批判的態度，是為了提醒我們什麼才是重要的事情。
先進的科技只能改善生活的水準。
但是，這些不過是小小的器具和工具而已。
不要沉迷於這些事，以至於我們忘記了什麼才是生命中最重的事物：
我們的神，我們家庭的信仰與和諧，這才是重點。
這些才是我們該投入時間和精力的地方，因為它們是真的可以改善生活的品質。
LOOK FORWARD WITH HOPE 懷抱著盼望
The silver-haired head is a crown of glory,
If it is found in the way of righteousness. (Prov 16:31)
31白髮是榮耀的冠冕，在公義的道上必能得著。
(箴 16：31)
Some people fear aging and the inevitable aches and pains.
But Christians need not fear;
in fact, we can look forward to the future with great anticipation for two reasons.
For one thing, after having worked for a few decades,
most of us would be at a comfortable part of our lives and careers.
Retirement gives us time to enjoy doing whatever, and going wherever, interests us.
But the more important thing to remember is that each day brings us closer to the grace of God.
We are blessed to be in the True Jesus Church community of faith
as we have the truth, the spirit of God, and a supportive family in Christ.
Moreover, when we place our hope in the Lord Jesus,
it is a steadfast and glorious hope because, while all may change, Jesus will remain the same.
This is the true reason why the silver-haired head is such a crown of glory.
有些人擔心人會衰老，無法避免有許多疼痛。
但是，基督徒不必害怕。
實際上，出於兩個原因，我們可以充滿希望地展望未來。
一方面，在工作了幾十年之後，
我們大多數人，都可在我們的生活和職業上，處於舒適的狀態。
退休不再工作，可以使我們有時間去享受我們感興趣的一切，去想去的地方。
但更重要該記住的是，每一天都使我們更加接近神的恩典。
我們很幸運能加入真耶穌教會信仰團契中，
因為我們擁有真理，神的聖靈，及基督裡相互扶持的家庭。
而且，當我們寄望於主耶穌時，
就是堅定而榮耀的盼望，因為儘管一切都會改變，但耶穌將永遠不變。
這就是為何，銀髮族會有如此榮耀冠冕的真正原因。
To ensure that elderly members are truly able to enjoy their days in comfort and glory, adjustments are necessary.
Individuals and their families need to make home modifications to ensure physical safety.
Churches can adjust schedules to sustain worship activities for them.
Elderly individuals can also recalibrate their roles within their families to improve familial interactions.
All these enable us to praise the Lord and lift up our praying hands in His name,
to remember and meditate on God in the night as long as we live (Ps 63:4–6).
Meanwhile, our young must not despise the old.
Heeding biblical principles of conduct and, in particular,
the teachings on interactions between the young and old
—found in Paul’s letters to the Ephesians and Colossians
—will enable all of us to live the rest of our time well and to make these years glorious.
為了確保，長者每天能夠真正享受舒適，保有尊嚴的過日子，有必要進行些許的調整。
個人及其家人需要進行家庭裝修，以確保人身安全。
教會可以為他們，調整聚會時間表。。
各別長者，也要重新定位其家庭中的角色，以改善家庭關係的互動。
這一切所有的行動，能使我們真正讚美主，並以祂的名舉起祈禱之手，
只要我們還活著，夜間就能回顧並思想神的作為（詩 63：4-6）。
同時，我們的年輕人，絕不能輕視老年人。
留心遵守聖經行為的準則，
特別是有關年輕人與老年人，彼此互動的教導，
-可在保羅寫給以弗所教會和歌羅西教會的信中找到
-使我們所有的人，都能度過餘生的美好時光，並使這些年歲榮神益人。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
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