10. Manna issue 90 - Redeem Your Time Wisely 好好善用時間
Based on a sermon by Ezra Chong—Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 馬來西亞可倫坡 Ezra Chong 講道
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
(Eph 5:15–17)
15你們要謹慎行事，不要像愚昧人，當像智慧人。
16要愛惜光陰，因為現今的世代邪惡。
17不要作糊塗人，要明白主的旨意如何。
(弗 5：15-17)
When most of the world entered a period of lockdown due to COVID-19,
many of us felt as though we suddenly had more time.
Under strict government measures, all hospitality services and many businesses closed their doors.
Members of the public were instructed to stay at home.
With more time on their hands,
many took up baking, cooking, exercise, DIY projects, gardening, and so on.
But some were also overwhelmed.
They had to care for and homeschool their children, shield the vulnerable, and work remotely from home.
Those employed in essential services and industries saw their workload increase,
with the added anxiety of being more exposed
and vulnerable to catching the virus while working outside the home.
In such cases, the lockdown has highlighted the limited hours in a day.
當世界大部分地區，因新冠疫情而進入封城時期，
我們許多人，都覺得自已突然有更多的時間。
在嚴格的政府措施下，所有旅店服務和許多企業都關門了。
公眾被指示要留在家中。
他們有了更多的時間在手上，
許多人開始烘焙、烹飪、鍛煉、自行組裝的項目、園藝等活動。
但也有人不知所措。
他們必須照顧孩子，並在家自學，保護弱勢群體，並在家遠程工作。
那些在基礎服務行業工作的人，看到自已的工作量增加了，
並因出外工作時，比較容易感染病毒，
而暴露於更多的焦慮。
在這種情況之下，封城突顯了一天中，時間是有限的。
Regardless of how we have been living our lives during the lockdown,
Paul's words to the Ephesian members continue to ring true:
we must walk circumspectly, live wisely, and redeem the time that has been given to us.
In the English Standard Version
and the Revised Standard Version of the Bible,
“redeeming the time” is expressed as
“making the best use of the time”[1]
and “making the most of the time.”[2]
With lockdown being the new normal,
how can we truly make the most of our time now, and when it ends?
不管我們在封城期間，過著怎樣的生活，
保羅給以弗所教會信徒的話，仍然是正確的：
我們必須謹慎行事，好好生活，並善用所給予我們的時間。
在英文標準版聖經裡，
和修訂後的標準版聖經裡，
“贖回時間”被寫成
“好好充分利用時間”[1]
和“充分利用大部份的時間。”[2]
隨著封城成為新的常態，
我們如何才能真正充分利用現在的時間，這種情況何時才會結束呢？
THE FOOLISH AND THE WISE 愚者與智者
When Paul uses the phrase “walk circumspectly,”
he refers to the way we lead our lives
—our behavior, our speech, and our attitude.
He talks about two types of people:
the foolish and the wise.
Using Paul’s explanation,
the foolish are those
who neither understand how to use their time
nor understand the will of God.
On the other hand, the wise do know how to redeem their time, and do so,
living according to God's will.
While we may have thought about this instruction before,
this lockdown period is a blessing that allows us to reflect:
Have we used our time according to God's will?
Is it time to make a change?
當保羅使用“謹慎行事”這句話的時候，
他指的是，我們如何過生活的方式，
——我們的行為、言語和態度。
他談到了兩種類型的人：
愚者和智者。
若使用保羅的解釋，
愚蠢的是那些
他們不知道如何利用自已的時間
也不明白神的旨意。
另一方面，智者確實知道如何善用他們的時間，並且照著這樣做，
照著神的旨意過生活。
雖然我們之前可能已經想過這個指示，
這個封城時期是一種祝福，讓我們能夠反思：
我們有沒有按照神的旨意，好好使用自已的時間呢？
是時候做出改變了嗎？
Redeem Your Time Wisely 好好善用時間
When Paul wrote the word “time” in Greek,
the word he used has the root καιρ?? (kairos)
which refers to an opportune moment or a fitting time for action,
rather than the fixed concept of time.
He intended the believers to take action
and grasp hold of the time given to them.
Developing this concept further,
the Merriam-Webster Dictionary states
that kairos refers to “a time when conditions are right for the accomplishment of a certain action:
the opportune and decisive moment.”[3]
當保羅用希臘文寫下“時間”這個詞，
他使用的詞有字根καιρ?? （kairos）
指的是，採取行動的恰當時刻或適當時機，
而不是固定時間的概念。
他想要信徒們採取行動，
把握給他們的時間。
若進一步深入研究這個概念，
Merriam-Webster 字典指出，
kairos 指的是“條件適合完成某項行動的時間：
時機和決定性的時刻。”[3]
Today, we are living in that "right" time,
when we can, and should, accomplish important matters.
Thus, we should take the time to think, and commit to taking action.
However, our thinking, determination, and actions must be in line with God's will,
as Paul clarifies in verse 17.
No matter how positive our choices may seem,
be it establishing family time at home,
taking a daily walk in the park, or socializing via Zoom,
God's will should underline our actions.
In this way, we may be counted as wise and not foolish.
今天，我們正生活在那個“恰當”的時代，
當我們能夠，就應該完成重要的事情。
因此，我們應該花時間思考，並下決心採取行動。
但是，我們的想法、決心和行動，必須符合神的旨意，
正如保羅在第 17 節中，澄清的那樣。
無論我們的選擇，看起來多麼正面，
無論是家中設立家庭時間，
每天公園散步，或用 Zoom 進行社交，
神的旨意應該是我們行動的基礎。
這樣一來，我們才可以算得上聰明，而不是愚蠢。
GOD-GIVEN TIME 神賞賜的時間
There are two periods of time we can discuss here:
the first is during the lockdown,
and the second is when lockdown is fully lifted.
The word “lockdown” is familiar to us now,
but it has never happened before on such a global scale.
For almost all of us,
it is the first time we have experienced an epidemic becoming a pandemic, spreading so quickly,
so viciously and so worryingly.
Scientists, sociologists, politicians, and historians
have debated and researched the origins of the pandemic.
But as Christians, we know that, spiritually speaking,
there is a higher purpose and reason for this occurring in our present time.
The adverse outcomes of this pandemic have been undeniable.
However, in His way, God has given us time.
我們在這裡，可以討論兩個時段：
首先是封城時期，
第二是完全解封之後。
“封城”這個詞我們現在都很熟悉了，
以前整個全球大範圍，都從沒這樣發生過。
對幾乎我們所有人來說，
這是我們第一次的經歷，傳染病變成大流行，傳播得如此之快，
病情如此兇猛，情況如此令人擔憂。
科學家、社會學家、政治家、歷史學家們，
已經對這場疫情的源頭，進行了辯證和研究。
但作為基督徒，我們知道，從屬靈上來說，
我們時代發生這種情況，定有一個更高的目的和原因。
這疫情的不利影響，讓人無法否認。
然而，神以祂的方式，給了我們時間。
Before the lockdown, we may have felt freer.
However, we may also have been busier:
too busy to have breakfast, too busy with work,
too busy to speak to our children, busy rushing to church, busy cooking dinner.
Now that we have no choice but to stay at home,
we realize that family time and prayer time are God-given blessings.
With the world having slowed down, we should also slow down.
Then we can reflect on how to make the best use of this time
and take action to strengthen our faith and relationship with God.
封城之前，我們可能會感覺更自由。
然而，我們以前也可能很忙：
忙著吃早餐，忙著工作，
忙得沒時間和孩子說話，忙著趕去教會，忙著做飯。
現在我們別無選擇，只能呆在家裡，
我們明白，家庭時間和禱告時間是神賜予的祝福。
隨著世界放慢腳步，我們也應該放慢步調。
然後我們可以思考，如何充分利用這段時間
並採取行動，加強我們與神的信仰和關係。
MAKING THE BEST USE OF TIME 好好善用時間
Relationship 關係
The Songs of Ascent describe the Israelite pilgrimage to the temple in Jerusalem,
situated on Mount Zion, three times a year.
To reach the temple, the Israelites would have journeyed
through valleys and wilderness while singing Psalm 15 and Psalms 120 to 134.
These songs gave three key reminders to the people of God:
to take heed of their relationship with their family's faith,
their relationship with the temple, and their relationship amongst themselves.
上行之詩，描述以色列人前往耶路撒冷聖殿的朝聖之旅，
聖殿位於錫安山，一年去三次。
為了走上聖殿，以色列人不得不長途跋涉
唱著詩篇 15 篇，詩篇 120 至 134 篇的詩歌，穿越山谷和曠野。
這些歌曲給神的百姓，三個重要的提醒：
留意他們家人信仰的關係，
他們與聖殿的關係，以及他們家人之間的關係。
On making the best use of our time,
we can learn from the Israelite pilgrim what our priorities ought to be.
Although this is a difficult period where fear and uncertainty abound,
we can use this time positively by turning to God,
spending time in prayer, establishing our relationship with God, and drawing close to Him.
On reflection, we may realize that our family altar has been neglected and needs to be re-established.
Now that we do not need to rush to church on a Sabbath,
we can slow down to prepare our hearts and make full use of online services and fellowships.
要充分利用自已的時間，
我們可以向以色列朝聖者學習，什麼才是我們事情的優先順序。
雖然這是一個讓人害怕，充滿不確定性的艱難時期，
我們可以通過轉向神，來積極利用這段時間，
花時間禱告，建立自已與神的關係，更親近祂。
回想起來，我們可能知道，自已的家庭祭壇受忽視，需要重新建立。
既然我們不需要安息日急著趕去教會，
就可以放慢腳步，準備好我們的心，充分利用網路聚會和團契活動。
Faith 信仰
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.
Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves,
that Jesus Christ is in you?
—unless indeed you are disqualified.
(2 Cor 13:5)
5你們總要自己省察有信心沒有，也要自己試驗。
豈不知你們若不是可棄絕的，就有耶穌基督在你們心裡麼？
(林後 13：5)
If we have not examined ourselves in a while,
God has given us time to think seriously about our faith,
the faith of our children, and our relationships with brothers and sisters.
It is a great time now to rekindle daily prayers with our children
and discuss with them what they have learned from their online religious education classes.
Even more so, the internet allows us to access church services from around the globe,
with services streaming during the week, not just on the Sabbath.
Some church choirs have established virtual sessions,
and online fellowships and Bible studies have become parts of a new routine to look forward to.
Additionally, many members have invited non-believing friends and family
to evangelistic services to listen to God’s word.
These are the positive blessings that we can, and should, enjoy during the lockdown.
如果我們有一段時間沒有自我反省，
神給了我們時間認真思考自已的信仰，
自已孩子的信仰，以及我們與兄弟姐妹的關係。
現在是與我們的孩子，重新點燃日常禱告的好時機，
並與他們討論，從網路宗教教育課程中學到了什麼。
更重要的是，網路使我們能夠接觸世界各地的教會聚會，
每周都有聚會，而不僅只有安息日。
有些教會詩班已採用網路練習課，
網路團契和查經，已成為值得期待新的日常活動一部分。
此外，很多信徒還邀請未信的朋友/家庭
參加佈道聚會讓他們聆聽神的道理。
這些是我們封城期間，應該可以享受的積極祝福。
Be Watchful 謹慎
Luke 21:36 reminds us:
路加福音21章36節，提醒我們：
“Watch therefore, and pray always that
you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass,
and to stand before the Son of Man."
36你們要時時儆醒，常常祈求，使你們能逃避這一切要來的事，得以站立在人子面前。
(路 21：36)
This verse refers to the end of the age,
when many signs will be given to us.
One of those signs is pestilence,
and we undoubtedly count this global pandemic as a clear sign of the end time.
What does our Lord Jesus instruct us to do then?
We must be watchful and consider our current situation, to examine ourselves,
and to strengthen our faith day by day, week on week.
At the same time, our watchfulness must be coupled with continual prayer.
If we are feeling anxious or fearful: bring it to prayer.
If we are feeling overwhelmed: take it to prayer.
No doubt, these challenging times may have brought about unforeseen difficulties at home,
with our families or with our work.
Prayer will give us the strength to overcome, to be guided by our Lord,
and to find peace in a chaotic and frightening world.
這節經文指出了時代結束，
我們會看到許多徵兆。
其中一個徵兆，就是瘟疫，
毫無疑問，我們將這場全球疫情，視為末日的明確徵兆。
那麼，我們主耶穌吩咐我們要做什麼呢？
我們必須警醒，思考自已目前的情況，自己反省，
每日，每周都加強自已的信心。
同時，我們的警醒，必須有不斷的禱告相結合。
如果我們感到焦慮恐懼：把事情帶到祈禱中。
如果我們感到崩潰：帶著事情去祈禱。
毫無疑問，這些充滿挑戰的時刻，可能給家庭，家人，或我們的工作
帶來意想不到的困難。
禱告會給我們力量去克服，給主耶穌引導我們，
讓我們在這個混亂，又可怕的世界中，找到平安。
Transformation 轉變
When the lockdown comes to an end, will our faith and relationships have improved?
Will we have changed for the better,
or will we remain the same as before the lockdown began?
Romans 12:2 exhorts us to
“not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
封城結束時，我們的信仰，與神人之間的關係會有所改善嗎？
我們是否會變得更好，
還是我們與封城開始之前一樣？
羅馬書 12 章 2 節 勸勉我們
“2不要效法這個世界，只要心意更新而變化，
叫你們察驗何為神的善良、純全、可喜悅的旨意。”
Transformation starts with the renewal of our minds.
Today, our mindset must change:
if we used to live only for our daily routines and to maintain social expectations,
or if we lived with lukewarm faith,
now is the time to renew our minds and pursue after God’s good and perfect will.
With time to think and reflect,
we can pray and ask God to renew our minds through the Holy Spirit,
so that the time we have gained may be fruitful.
轉變始於我們思想的更新。
今天，我們的心態必須改變：
如果我們只習慣於日常生活和維持社會期望，
或者如果我們帶著不冷不熱的信仰而生活，
現在是更新我們的心態，追求神善良純全旨意的時候了。
因為有時間思考和反省，
我們可以禱告，祈求神通過聖靈的能力，更新我們的想法，
使我們所獲得的時間，可以結出豐碩的果實。
AFTER LOCKDOWN 封城之後
One thing is sure: life after lockdown will be very different from life before COVID-19.
While we wait for businesses, restaurants, and schools to resume normal operations,
many companies are looking to change the way they work.
For example, New Zealand is looking to trial a four-day working week,
and many organizations may allow their employees to work from home more often,
or even as a norm.
Nevertheless, our lives will eventually return to the same level of busyness we experienced before.
When it does, will we fall back to the past or look forward to the future?
有一件事是肯定的：封城後的生活將與新冠疫情之前大不相同。
在我們等待企業、餐館和學校恢復正常運營的同時，
許多公司正在尋求改變他們的工作方式。
例如，紐西蘭正在試驗每週工作四天，
許多組織可能允許員工更常在家工作，
甚至成為一種常態。
然而，我們的生活，最終會回歸到之前經曾歷過的忙碌程度。
當它發生時，我們會回落到過去的情況，還是展望未來呢？
We may discover a new zeal in our faith and relationship with God during the lockdown.
But after the lockdown ends,
will we continue to pursue after God,
to focus on our families, and to care for the wellbeing of the church?
This is a difficult question that warrants serious and careful consideration.
We need to maintain and uphold our new routines as the new normal:
continue our daily prayers and Bible reading with our family members;
attend those extra fellowships and Bible studies;
and give ourselves quiet time to reflect and examine our faith.
God has given us time now,
but He will still provide us with time afterward to either retreat to our pasts
or move towards a stronger and closer relationship with Him.
The choice is ours.
封城期間，我們的信仰，與神的關係，可能會產生新的熱情。
封城結束之後，
我們會繼續追求神嗎？
會繼續專注於我們的家庭嗎，會繼續關心教會的健全嗎？
這是一個困難的問題，值得認真仔細思考。
我們要保持維繫自已新的日常作息，成為新的常態：
繼續與家人一起每天禱告讀經；
參加那些特別的團契活勇和聖經研讀；
並給自己有安靜的時間，來反省檢查自已的信仰。
神現在已經給了我們時間，
但之後神仍會給我們留下時間，要麼退回到自已的過去情況，
或是向前進，與神建立更牢固、更親密的關係。
選擇權都是我們的。
CONCLUSION 結論
Today, we must understand why God has given us this special and opportune time.
We should grasp hold of it now, deciding to act and renew our hearts and minds.
Otherwise, we will later regret our inaction and passivity.
今的，我們必須明白，為什麼神給了我們這個特別而適合的時間。
我們現在應該好好把握，下決心採取行動，更新自已的心思意念。
否則，以後我們會後悔，自己為何沒有作為，那麼被動。
We pray that God will grant us wisdom to understand His will for our life
—for now, and for beyond the lockdown and the pandemic.
May all glory be to our Lord Jesus Christ!
我們祈求神，賜予我們智慧，讓我們明白神為我們生命設立的旨意
—能明白目前的情況，能超越看清封城和疫情。
願一切榮耀歸於我們主耶穌基督的聖名！
[1] The Holy Bible, English Standard Version.
ESVR Text Edition: 2016. Copyright c 2001 by Crossway Bibles,
a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
[2] Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright c 1946, 1952,
and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ
in the United States of America.
Used by permission.
ll rights reserved.
[3] “Kairos,” Merriam-Webster, accessed July 22, 2020,
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kairos.
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
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