16. Manna issue 92 - Youth_Overcoming Subtle Temptations As A Student 青年_學會克服細微的試探
Bianca Wong—Newcastle, UK 英國新堡 Bianca Wong
Our student years are often when our social life peaks:
we meet like-minded people with similar passions and aspirations,
and we have more time and opportunities to socialize.
However, the world's deceptive glamour has entrapped many
through such social activities,
masking the evil that separates us from God.
我們的學生時代，往往就是我們社交生活達到巔峰的時候：
我們遇到志同道合的人，有著相似的激情和抱負，
我們有更多的時間和機會進行社交。
然而通過這樣的社會活動，
世界的欺騙性的榮華，卻使困住了許多人，
掩蓋了使我們與神分離的邪惡。
The Bible teaches us that Satan's plans are cunning, calculated, and made-to-measure for us
(1 Pet 5:8).
This would be frightening
if it were not for God's omnibenevolent protection over His children.
Yet, like Paul,
we may still find ourselves struggling against the recurring evil that we ought not to do
(Rom 7:19).
聖經教導我們，撒旦的計劃是狡猾的、精心計劃的、為我們而量身定做
（彼前 5：8）。
這將會很可怕，
如果沒有神完全仁慈保護耐的兒女。
然而，就像保羅一樣，
我們可能仍然會發現自己，正與自已不該做，卻反覆出現的邪惡爭戰
（羅 7：19）。
THE TEMPTATION TO PLEASE 享樂的試探
More often than not, the less obvious temptations trip us up the most.
Temptations of this nature do not come with flashing and blaring “choose me” signs,
and Satan craftily makes them subtle for a reason.
They are easily masked by what is deemed normal or acceptable for a student.
The pull to sin against God is almost undetectable
as we gradually conform to the worldly norm.
常常這時，那些不那麼明顯的誘惑，最容易讓我們跌倒。
這種性質的誘惑，不會掛著閃爍響亮的標誌，寫著“選擇我”，
撒旦狡猾地使他們變得很細緻，其實是有原因的。
它們很容易掩飾，所以學生認為，這很正常或是可以接受的事物。
違背神犯罪的吸引力，讓人幾乎無法察覺，
隨著我們逐漸效法世俗的規範。
Temptations in the form of peer pressure can be spoken, unspoken, direct, and even indirect.
No matter what form they take, temptations always force us to choose.
Do we succumb to pleasing others and our carnal desires,
or do we submit to the word of God?
以同儕壓力形式出現的試探，可以是口頭說出來的、沒有說出來的、直接的，甚至是間接的形式。
無論是採取何種形式，試探總是迫使我們做出選擇。
我們是否屈服於取悅他人和自已內體的情慾？
還是我們會順服神的話語？
I recall three incidents where, as a university student,
the temptation to please man over God challenged my faith.
我想起了三件事，那時身為一名大學生，
想取悅人勝於討神喜稅的試探，挑戰了我的信仰。
1. The Temptation to Please Our Peers 取悅同儕的拭探
Our family and church brethren often encourage us
to interact with our university classmates and friends
to create opportunities to preach.
Although this is a good reason to socialize,
we may unwittingly
be sucked into the vortex of wanting to fit in with our fellow students by behaving as they do.
我們的家人和教會弟兄姐妹經常鼓勵我們，
要與自已的大學同學和朋友好好互動，
才能創造宣道的機會。
雖然這是一個很好的社交理由，
我們可能會在不知不覺中，
會想要表現得像自已同學一樣
被捲入想要融入他們的漩渦中。
FOMO: the “fear of missing out.”
We have all felt it before.
It is that uncomfortable feeling
of knowing that our friends and peers are enjoying themselves without us.
But this uneasy feeling recedes
when we are aware of the dangers of indulging in sinful worldly activities,
such as clubbing and drinking,
or when it is apparent that it goes against the commandments of God,
such as skipping church services on the holy Sabbath day.
縮寫 FOMO：“害怕錯過”。
我們以前都有過這種感覺。
就是那種不舒服的感覺，
因為知道我們的朋友同學，在我們不在的時候，過得很開心。
但這種不安的感覺會逐漸消退，
當我們意識到，沉迷於罪中世俗活動有危險的時候，
比如，泡酒吧去喝酒，
或者，當活動很明顯違反神誡命的時候，
例如，在聖安息日時，跳過教會聚會。
It has gradually become easier to say no in today's society
because the world is becoming more accepting
of people’s individualism, personal identities, values, and beliefs.
The need to “fit in” is not so trendy now.
在當今的社會，拒絕別人已經逐漸變得很容易了，
因為世界變得容易接受，
大家的個人主義、各自的身份認同、價值觀和信仰。
現在“適應大家”的要求已經不那麼流行了。
Nevertheless, subtle and indirect temptations are harder to detect and say no.
We may not even realize we have been tempted
until after we have sinned and the condition of our heart and faith are exposed.
For example, we may find ourselves jumping into conversations
to criticize our tutors or fellow students,
or complain about assignments and marking schemes.
We may even purposely stir up these discussions to gain popularity and build friendships.
然而，微妙間接的試探，則更難被發現拒絕。
我們甚至可能沒有意識到，自已受到試探了，
直到我們犯罪，我們的心和信仰的狀況暴露出來。
例如，我們可能會發現自己跳入聊天對話，
正是在批評自已的導師或同學，
或是抱怨作業和評分標準。
我們甚至可能故意鼓動這些討論，來獲得人氣並建立友誼。
This indirect peer pressure tempts us to mimic the sinful behavior we see others doing.
On the surface, it may seem to have little impact on our salvation,
but the words we choose to speak will reflect the condition of our heart.
這種間接的同儕壓力，引誘我們去模仿自已看到別人進行的犯罪行為。
表面來說，它似乎對我們的得救影響不大，
但我們選擇所說的話，將反應出我們內心的狀況。
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good;
and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil.
For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”
(Lk 6:45)
45善人從他心裡所存的善就發出善來；
惡人從他心裡所存的惡就發出惡來；
因為心裡所充滿的，口裡就說出來。
(路 6：45)
2. The Temptation to Please Ourselves 取悅自已的拭探
We live in a dog-eat-dog world, and university is no exception.
University is an institute filled with burgeoning prospects,
fuelling the ambition of students to achieve greater things.
我們生活在一個狗咬狗的世界，大學也不例外。
大學是一所充滿蓬勃發展前景的學院機構，
激發學生追求更大成就的企圖心。
We know that if we work hard in our education and secular jobs,
we can enjoy the riches of our labor that God grants us
(Eccl 5:18–20, 9:10).
Peter also reminds us to submit to those who have authority over us
(1 Pet 2:18).
We must diligently fulfill our duty
as students to complete our assignments, attend classes, and follow our tutors’ instructions.
However, in this competitive environment,
it is tempting to chase after our dreams and neglect the things of God,
especially when we compare our academic efforts and achievements with non-believers.
我們知道，如果自已在學校努力學習，和在世俗職場上努力工作，
我們可以享受神賞賜給我們的勞動財富
（傳 5：18-20，9：10）。
彼得也提醒我們，要順服那些高過我們有權柄的人
（彼前 2：18）。
我們要認真履行自已學生的職責，
去完成自已的作業，好好上課，並聽從導師的指示。
然而，在這樣的競爭環境中，
追逐自已的夢想是很吸引力的，因而忽視神的事工，
尤其是當我們與沒信主的人，比較自已學術努力和學習成果的時候。
To achieve the best, be noticed,
and find ways to fast-track to success are typical aspirations for a student,
but these stem from a self-serving desire.
Though there is nothing wrong with trying our best, making progress, and serving our secular masters,
this competitive mindset can breed discontentment when we only prioritize our own aspirations.
要做到最好，得到觀注，
找到快速成功的方法，是學生的一般期望，
但這些都是源於自私的慾望。
雖然盡自已的努力，好好進步，服事世上的主人，並沒有錯，
當我們只優先考慮自己的願望時，這種競爭心態就會滋生不滿。
This discontentment can lead us
to diminish the severity of keeping the commandments and principles of God,
which often takes sacrifice.
When we compare ourselves to those who do not have these principles,
losing out becomes much more apparent and difficult to bear.
For example, we may neglect to observe the holy Sabbath day in its entirety
or stop attending fellowships to study more, receive extra credit, and be top of the class.
這種不滿會導致我們，
減少遵守神誡命和原則的嚴厲程度，
這樣作往往需要有犧牲。
當我們將自己與別人比較時，因為他們沒有這些原則，
失敗變得更加明顯和難以接受。
例如，我們可能忽略了完整遵守聖安息日，
或者停止參加團契活動去學習更多，拿到額外的學分，並成為班上的佼佼者。
This temptation to please ourselves clouds God's standards and instead illuminates our own.
這種取悅自己的試探，會遮住神的標準，反而聚焦於我們自己的需求。
3. The Temptation to Please Our Tutors 取悅老師的拭探
Society encourages inclusivity of all beliefs and identities,
including LGBTQ rights, religious stances, and gender identity.
Although this can benefit our ability to preach and practice our religion,
at the same time, it can significantly impact our faith.
社會鼓勵所有信仰和身份認同的包容性，
包括 LGBTQ 權利、宗教立場和性別認同。
雖然這有助於我們的能力，可以宣傳實踐自已的宗教，
同時，它會極大地影響我們的信仰。
As Christians, we must follow the principles of God to obey our secular masters.
However, when tutors or those in authority push us to do what is against righteousness and truth,
like joining in religious and paganistic festivals or LGBTQ-related events,
we are faced with the temptation to please them to gain their favor over pleasing God.
作為基督徒，我們必須遵循神的原則，服從我們世俗的主人。
然而，當導師或掌權者逼迫我們行事違背公義和真理的時候，
例如，去參加宗教性和異教的節日活動，或是 LGBTQ 相關的活動，
我們面臨著取悅他們的試探，以獲得他們的喜愛，而不是取悅神。
I experienced this struggle during my final year of university.
All students in my final year group were fundraising
for our prestigious annual graduate design show in London.
One event that raises the most money is the Christmas party,
held in the last week before the winter break.
Although I was not involved in the planning process,
my intention of skipping the event did not go unnoticed.
My friends were not surprised since I had declined to attend in the previous years.
And when my classmates tried to persuade me,
I did not waver in my decision.
在大學最後一年的時候，我經歷了這種掙扎。
為了舉行我們倫敦著名的年度研究生設計展，
我最後一年小組的所有學生都在籌款。
籌款最多的活動之一，就是聖誕派對，
在寒假開始前的最後一周舉行。
雖然我沒有參與策劃的過程，
我想跳過這個活動的意圖，並沒有受到忽視。
因為前幾年我都拒絕參加，所以我的朋友們並不感到驚訝。
當同學試圖說服我的時候，
我沒有動搖自已的決定。
On the day of the event, my tutor approached me to ask
if I was attending the party.
This time, I felt immediate pressure.
When I said I was not going, he asked me why.
I was not brave enough to explain my Christian stance;
instead, I responded that I was not the type to go to these social events,
all the while hoping for a subject change.
活動當天，我的導師找我詢問，
我會不會參加派對。
這一次，我立即感受到壓力。
當我說自已不去的時候，他問我為什麼。
我沒有足夠的勇氣來解釋自已基督教的立場；
相反的，我回答說，自已不是那種會去參加這些社交活動的人，
一直希望能換個話題。
I remember the look of disappointment on his face when he said,
“You are supposed to be raising money for your year group,
and you are meant to be part of the team.
Of all people, I thought you’d be the one to go.”
我記得當他說話時，臉上失望的神情，
“你應該為你所屬年級的小組籌集資金，
你注定要成為團隊的一員。
在所有人中，我以為你將是那個會去的人。”
From that point on,
I felt pressure to please my tutor and go to the party.
I considered how I could attend without being seen by church members:
I could just turn up, greet everyone there and then leave quickly,
or even buy a ticket with no intention of going.
I ended up swaying by replying that I would think about it.
In the end, I did not go to the Christmas party,
but I was faced with the guilt of compromising my faith and displeasing my God.
從那時起，
我感到有壓力要取悅導師去參加派對。
我思考要如何在不被教會信徒看到的情況下，可以去參加：
我可以直接出現，向那裡的每個人打招呼，然後迅速離開，
甚至可以買了一張票，但卻不打算去。
我最終動搖了，回答說我會考慮一下。
最後，我沒有去參加聖誕派對，
但我面臨著，妥協自已信仰和不蒙神喜悅的罪惡感。
HOW CAN WE OVERCOME SUBTLE TEMPTATIONS? 我們怎樣才能克服細微的試探呢？
Satan presents these subtle temptations as “normal” societal and student behaviors,
which warps our minds and causes us to be desensitized to the pull of sin.
Therefore, we must be simple concerning what is evil
(Rom 16:19).
撒旦展示這些微妙的試探，把他們描述為“正常”的社會學生行為，
這樣會扭曲我們的想法，使我們對罪惡的吸引力麻木不仁。
因此，對於什麼是邪惡，我們必須單純思考
（羅 16：19）。
The first step is to identify exactly what evil is.
Since God is good,
it only makes sense to turn to Him for clarity.
第一步是精準辨別有什麼事是邪惡的。
既然神是良善的，
為了清楚分辨起見，轉向神才有意義。
For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness,
for he is a babe.
But solid food belongs to those who are of full age,
that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised
to discern both good and evil.
(Heb 5:13–14)
13凡只能吃奶的都不熟練仁義的道理，因為他是嬰孩；
14惟獨長大成人的才能吃乾糧；他們的心竅習練得通達，就能分辨好歹了。
(來 5：13-14)
Only by God's words can we become spiritually mature,
able to exercise our senses to discern good and evil.
This comes from cultivating a good and regular Bible reading habit.
只有靠著神的話語，我們才能有靈性成熟，
能夠運用自已的感覺來辨別善惡。
這來自於培養良好且規律的讀經習慣。
We are often reminded that Bible reading is important
because there is no better way to ascertain what God regards as evil.
Like reading an instruction manual,
we learn what we need to do, find solutions to problems,
and most importantly, identify what is dangerous
(2 Tim 3:16).
If we neglect the word of God,
it is like throwing away this instruction manual;
we become susceptible to danger, failure, and long-term problems.
我們經常得到提醒，閱讀聖經是很重要的，
因為沒有什麼更好的方法，來確認神認為什麼事是邪惡的。
就像看說明書一樣，
我們了解自已需要做的事，找到問題的解決方案，
最重要的是，查明有什麼是危險的
（提後 3：16）。
如果我們忽視神的話語，
就像丟掉這本使用說明書一樣；
我們變得容易遭到危險、失敗和長期問題的影響。
To be under God’s protection, we must draw close to His word
so that it exposes the evil that tempts us.
We must implement the principles of God in our lives by developing good habits,
and allowing His words to guide our decision-making.
Then we can abstain from every form of evil
(1 Thess 5:22)
and remain safe in God’s preservation.
要能在神的保護之下，我們必須親近神的話語，
以便聖經才能暴露試探我們的邪惡。
在生活中，我們必須養成良好的習慣，才能實踐神的原則，
並讓神的話語來指導我們作決策。
然後我們才可以免除一切形式的邪惡
（帖前 5：22）
並在神的保護中得到安全。
HOW DID MORDECAI OVERCOME PEER PRESSURE? 莫底改如何克服事儕的壓力呢？
Like us today, Mordecai was surrounded by those who were not of the truth,
pressuring him to go against God’s word.
Mordecai understood and demonstrated the need to remain faithful to God’s principles,
despite the peer pressure he faced from the king's servants for not bowing down to Haman
(Est 3:1–3).
像我們今日一樣，末底改被那些沒有真理的人包圍，
逼迫他違背神的命令。
末底改明白，並表明需要遵守神的原則，
雖然因為他不向哈曼鞠躬，而面臨來自國王臣僕的同儕壓力
（斯 3：1-3）。
In Esther 3, Mordecai took three actions to resist peer pressure.
By observing his actions,
we can learn how to stay within God's protection and overcome temptations.
以斯帖記第三章，末底改採取了三種行動，來抵抗同儕的壓力。
藉著觀察他的行為，
我們可以學習，如何待在神的保護之下，並克服試探。
1. Swift Refusal at the Very Beginning 一開始就速速拒絕
And all the king’s servants
who were within the king’s gate bowed and paid homage to Haman,
for so the king had commanded concerning him.
But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage.
(Est 3:2)
2在朝門的一切臣僕都跪拜哈曼，因為王如此吩咐；惟獨末底改不跪不拜。
(斯 3：2)
When we face temptation,
learn to say no as soon as it appears.
Delaying our decision leaves room for overthinking,
leading us to compromise our faith.
Since carnal lusts war against the soul,
we must quickly opt to walk in the Spirit,
Who strengthens us to overcome these subtle temptations
(1 Pet 2:11; Gal 5:16).
當我們面對試探時，
要學會一出現就拒絕。
若延遲我們的決定，給予過度思考的空間，
就會導致我們妥協自已的信仰。
既然肉體的情慾會與靈魂爭戰，
我們必須迅速選擇行在聖靈中，
聖靈會加添我們力量，克服這些細微的試探
（彼前 2：11；加 5：16）。
2. Daily Persistence in His Refusal 每日持續堅持
Then the king’s servants who were within the king’s gate said to Mordecai,
“Why do you transgress the king’s command?”
Now it happened, when they spoke to him daily
and he would not listen to them,
that they told it to Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s words would stand.
(Est 3:3–4a)
王在城門口的臣僕對末底改說：
“你為什麼違犯國王的命令呢？”
現在事情發生，他們每天告訴他，
而末底改卻不聽從他們，
他們就告訴哈曼，看看末底改說的話，是不是還有效。
（斯 3：3-4a）
Secondly, we must persist in our refusal by clinging to what is righteous.
Satan waits for no one, tempting us daily, everywhere we go.
Therefore, we must persistently refuse to succumb to peer pressure
by conscientiously aspiring to please God.
Have faith in God’s promise of rewarding those
who endure temptation with the crown of life
(Jas 1:12).
其次，我們必須堅持正義，一直拒絕下去。
撒旦會等待大家，每天都試探我們，無論我們走到哪裡。
因此，我們必須堅持不懈地拒絕屈服於同儕的壓力，
渴望運用良心來取悅神。
相信神會有應許，來獎賞那些人，
他們會戴上生命的冠冕忍受試探
（雅 1：12）。
3. Explaining the Reasons for His Refusal 解釋拒絕的理由
[F]or Mordecai had told them that he was a Jew.
…But [Haman] disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone,
for they had told him of the people of Mordecai.
Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews
who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus
—the people of Mordecai.
(Est 3:4b, 6)
4因他已經告訴他們自己是猶大人。
6他們已將末底改的本族告訴哈曼；
他以為下手害末底改一人是小事，
就要滅絕亞哈隨魯王通國所有的猶大人，
就是末底改的本族。
（斯 3:4b, 6）
Thirdly, Mordecai explained the reasons for his refusal to bow down to Haman.
When we explain to others our Christian stance,
we make God and His principles known to man
(Ps 40:9–10).
When our peers become more accepting of us and our choices,
we can, by God’s grace, positively influence them to become righteous before God.
第三，末底改解釋了他拒絕向哈曼下拜的原因。
當我們向別人解釋自已的基督徒立場時，
我們讓別人知道神和祂的原則
（詩 40：9-10）。
當我們的同伴越可以接受我們，以及我們作的選擇時，
我們可以靠著神的恩典，積極影響他們，轉變為神面前的義人。
We know that Mordecai was sentenced to execution as punishment,
along with the annihilation of the Jews.
Similarly, when we hold fast to our faith,
we may face difficulties such as mocking, social isolation, missed opportunities, or even more pressure.
It may seem as though holding onto the word of God is not worth going through such suffering.
我們知道末底改被判處死刑作為懲罰，
伴隨著猶太人的種族滅絕。
同樣的，當我們堅持自已信仰的時候，
我們可能會面臨很多困難，諸如嘲笑、社會孤立、錯失機會等等，甚至要承受更大的壓力。
似乎堅持神的話語，可能不值得經歷這些苦難。
But remember, God protected Mordecai, saved the Jews, and defeated their enemies.
Let us look beyond our temporary emotions and physical circumstances
and look towards the eternal life of glory, honor, immortality, and peace for doing what is good
(Rom 2:7, 10).
但請記住，神保護了末底改，拯救了猶太人，並擊敗了他們的敵人。
讓我們超越暫時的情緒和物質環境，
並展望榮耀、尊貴、長生不老和平安的永生，而多多行善
（羅 2：7，10）。
CONCLUSION 結論
As students, we need to hold fast to God’s principles
because subtle forms of temptations can significantly impact our spiritual lives.
As our social life peaks,
we constantly decide whether to please others, please our flesh, or please God.
To make these decisions,
we need to be simple-minded concerning what is evil by drawing close to God's word.
作為學生，我們需要堅守神的原則，
因為微妙的試探形式，會大大的影響我們的屬靈生活。
當我們的社交生活達到巔峰的時候，
我們一直要決定，是要取悅別人，取悅我們的肉體，還是要取悅神。
為了立下這些決定，
我們需要以單純的心思，來親近神的話語，以辨視有什麼邪惡的事。
Furthermore, take active steps as Mordecai did.
Although we may seem to lose out or face more challenges,
have faith that the decision to please God and cling to His commandments
will lead to a long-term reward: salvation.
此外，要像末底改那樣採取積極的步驟。
儘管我們似乎會失敗，或是面臨更多的挑戰，
若有信心立下決定取悅神，依靠著神的誡命，
就會引導我們走向最終的獎賞：得到救贖。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
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