10. Manna issue 61 - Managing Career, Family, and Faith A Christian’s Challenge 規劃事業，家庭和信仰是基督徒面臨的挑戰
Is it possible to be a good Christian and have a successful career?
要成為好基督徒，並且擁有成功的事業有可能嗎？
Philip Shee—Singapore 新加坡
“I do not pray that You should take them out of the world…
They are not of the world,
just as I am not of the world…
As you sent Me into the world,
I also have sent them into the world.”
(Jn 17:15-18)
“15我不求你叫他們離開世界…
16他們不屬世界，
正如我不屬世界一樣。…
就像我不屬於這個世界一樣…
18你怎樣差我到世上，
我也照樣差他們到世上。”
（約 17：15-18）
Christians are often told to be in the world but not of the world.
What does that translate into in practice?
Apart from making sure our conduct and lifestyle
do not conform to secular practices contrary to biblical teachings,
there is one area that the majority of us have to deal with constantly
—setting priorities among our career, family, and God.
基督徒常被告知要活在世上，但卻不屬於世界。
這若是轉譯成行為時，到底是什麼意思呢？
除了確保自已的行為和生活方式，
不要效法世俗行為，與聖經的教導相反，
有一個地方是我們大多數人都要一直去處理的，
—要在自已的事業、家庭和事奉神之間設定優先順序。
It is a challenge to maintain balance between living in the secular world
and thriving in our spiritual lives.
Can we be a good Christian and be successful in our career at the same time?
Is it possible to realize our full potential in our career
and still be found favorable in the eyes of God?
在世俗生活糊口與振興自已的靈命之間，能保持平衡是一個挑戰
並在我們的精神生活中蓬勃發展。
我們是否能夠成為優秀的基督徒，並同時在事業上取得成功呢？
是否還有可能在職業生涯充分發揮自已的潛力，
並且仍在神眼前蒙恩呢？
THE MEANING OF PRIORITIZATION 優先順序的意義
The world is supposedly more advanced and efficient than the past.
Yet, it is ironic that we are often much busier
and suffer more stress than before.
Greater efficiency but less time
—how we strike a balance among our career, family, and church
becomes a matter requiring real strategy.
據稱，世界應該是比過去更加的先進和高效。
然而諷刺的是，我們往往更加忙碌，
並且比以前承受更大的壓力。
更高的效率但是用更短的時間，
—我們要如何在事業，家庭與教會之間取得平衡 ，
就成為一件需要真正有策略的問題。
Many tackle this challenge
by notionally breaking their lives into phases
and focusing on one area at each phase.
Our prioritization process is also often quick to rank career first,
family second, and church a distant third.
許多人應對這項挑戰的掙扎，
藉由假定自已的生活分成幾個階段，
並在每個時段專注於一個部份。
我們的優先排序過程通常也很快將職業放在第一位，
家庭排在第二位，教會排在第三位。
For this reason,
we often see Christians waning in fervor
as they gain ground in their career.
That opportunity to make an impression,
to break through to the next level of achievement,
is often too good to miss.
Hence, striking the balance here often means
that “God can wait” or that “We will make up to the family later.”
因此原因，
我們經常看到基督徒缺乏熱情 ，
當他們在職業取得地位時。
要留下深刻影響的那種機會，
可以突破到下一個階段的成就，
往往是機會難得。
因此，這裡的保持平衡通常就表示，
“神可以等一下”或是“我們稍後會補償家人”。
In the parable of the wedding feast,
the king ordered his servants to call those invited to attend the feast,
but the invitation was taken lightly as each went their way,
to their farms or to their business.
The king was furious and deemed those invited as unworthy
(Mt 22:2-8).
在婚宴的比喻中，
國王命令僕人去召集那些受邀的參宴之人，
但是隨著每個人都各走各路，這個邀請就被輕忽了，
他們去自已的農場或是進行自已的事業。
國王因而大怒，並且認為這些被邀請的人根本不配。
（太 22：2-8）。
On another occasion, Jesus called someone to follow Him.
Although the response seemed positive on the surface,
the person asked Jesus to wait as he had to first bid farewell to his family.
Jesus deemed this man unfit for the kingdom of God
(Lk 9:61, 62).
還有一次，耶穌叫某個人來跟隨祂。
雖然表面上回應很積極，
這個人請耶穌等一下，因為他要先告別家人。
耶穌認為這個人不適合進入神的國
（路 9：61，62）。
These two passages remind us that
putting off the matters of God to a later date
to focus on our career or our family may not be a wise choice.
這兩段經節提醒我們，
拖延神的事情以後，
而專注於自已的事業或家庭，可能不是一個明智的選擇。
The effective way of managing our time and energy starts with the realization
that it is not about focusing on different aspects at different phases of our lives.
A successful balance also does not pivot on an equal allocation of our time.
有效管理時間和精力的方法是始於有了認知：
事情並不在於去注意自已生活不同階段的不同方面。
成功的平衡也不是取決於自已時間的平均分配。
Actually, the only way a balance can be achieved
is to make God the pivot and have everything else balance around it.
This means that our one and only focus is God and nothing else!
事實上，唯一能達到平衡的方式，
就是以神為中心，讓一切圍繞它而平衡。
這代表著我們唯一的重心就是神，別無其他！
This does not suggest
that Christians, by default, are irresponsible workers in society
and negligent spouses or parents at home.
On the contrary, it is precisely because our only focus and pivot is God
that Christians should display the most responsible behavior
both at work and at home.
這並不表示，
基督徒，假定之下，就是社會上不負責任的工人，
並且疏忽照顧家中的配偶或父母。
相反的，正是因為我們唯一的焦點和重心就是神，
基督徒應該展現出最負責任的行為，
無論是在職場還是在家裡。
The motivation to do a good job at work
is not our relentless and blind pursuit of material rewards,
for career advancement, or the satisfaction of our ego,
but rather the natural need for a good Christian to do the right thing,
be an example, and bring glory to the name of God.
做好工作的動力，
並不是我們對物質報酬不懈和盲目的追求，
是為了職涯發展，或是滿足自尊，
而是一個好基督徒的自然需求去做對的事，
要成為榜樣，並且榮耀神的聖名。
This is summed up in Ephesians 6:5, 6:
以弗所書 6 章 5，6 節總結了這一點：
Bondservants, be obedient to those
who are your masters according to the flesh,
with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;
not with eyeservice as menpleasers,
but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
with good will doing service, as to the Lord and not to men.
5你們作僕人的，要懼怕戰兢，
用誠實的心聽從你們肉身的主人，
好像聽從基督一般。
6不要只在眼前事奉，像是討人喜歡的，
要像基督的僕人，從心裡遵行神的旨意。
7甘心事奉，好像服事主，不像服事人。
Likewise, it is precisely due to our love for God
that we will naturally love and give to our family.
A person who loves God and walks closely with Him will know
how to care for his family and rely on Him
to build a strong, loving family.
同樣，正是由於我們愛神，
我們自然會愛惜並為家庭付出。
一個愛神的人，並與神密切同行的人會知道，
要如何照顧自已的家庭並依靠祂，
去建立一個堅強、充滿慈愛的家庭。
As we draw closer to God,
He will give us the wisdom to naturally strike the balance
in faith, career, and family.
Therefore, the formula to manage conflicting demands for our time and energy
really lies in just focusing on God.
當我們親近神的時候，
祂會給我們智慧，讓我們自然達到平衡，
在信仰，事業和家庭上。
因此，管理需求我們時間和精力衝突的公式，
真的只在於專心仰賴神。
This is very different from using our own human or worldly wisdom,
as relying on our own abilities
will inevitably lead us to focus on our career, followed by family,
and leaving God and the church to fill whatever is left of our spare time.
這十分不同於使用我們自己人類或世俗的智慧，
就如依靠自己的能力，
必然會導致我們專心於自已的事業，接著才是家庭，
並讓神和教會來填補我們剩下的空閒時間。
GAINING SUCCESS IN THE SECULAR WORLD
Christians seeking to serve God may often face the dilemma
of whether they should allow their fullest potential in their career be realized.
The corporate world constantly pushes for better performance year after year
and seeks to promote performers to achieve higher levels of responsibility.
基督徒想要事奉神可能常會面臨這樣的兩難，
就是他們是否應該在自已的職業生涯中，充分發揮自己的潛力。
企業界年復一年會一直努力爭取更好的業績
並力求促進執行者取得更高層次的責任。
The question is whether Christians should continue
to attain or accept more and more senior positions in their careers,
which often compromises the time for and the quality of service to the Lord.
On the other hand, are Christians meant to be underachievers
even if they may not necessarily be under-performers?
問題是基督徒是否應該繼續，
在職涯中獲得或接受越來越多的高階職位，
這常常會影響服事主的時間和品質。
另一方面，基督徒是不是註定成為工作進度落後的員工嗎？
即使他們不一定會表現不佳呢？
The Bible does not forbid Christians from being achievers.
In fact, there are examples of God’s people
who attained very high levels of achievement.
At only thirty years of age,
Joseph became second only to the pharaoh of Egypt,
a leading nation at that time
(Gen 41:40-44, 46).
Daniel became one of three governors under King Darius
(Dan 6:1, 2).
聖經並沒有禁止基督徒成為追求成功的人。
事實上，神的百姓有很多例子，
他們取得了很高的成就。
年僅三十歲，
約瑟成為僅次於埃及法老的第二掌權者，
那時埃及是一個先進的國家
（創 41：40-44，46）。
但以理成為大利烏王之下的三大總督之一
（但 6：1，2）。
However, one commonality in these cases is that
the achievements were unequivocally the work of God
to fulfill His own special purpose.
Neither Joseph nor Daniel actively sought their high-ranking position.
All they did was to simply continue in their faith and integrity towards God
even in the face of adversity.
然而，這些例子有一個共同點就是，
這些成就很明確都是神的作為，
來完成祂自己特殊的目的。
不論是約瑟還是但以理，都沒有主動尋求自已的高位。
他們所做的只是繼續自已的信仰和正直來面對神，
即使是要面對逆境。
Joseph, when tempted, did not yield to his mistress
and, when jailed, did not murmur against God
(Gen 39:7-20).
Daniel did not compromise his beliefs to enjoy the delicacies of Babylon
and risked his life to continue to pray three times a day,
as was his custom
(Dan 6:1-10).
They simply did the right thing.
The rest of the road to achievement was paved by God.
約瑟受到誘惑時，並沒有屈服於他的主母，
並且，而受監禁時，沒有向神發怨言
（創 39：7-20）。
但以理並沒有為了享受巴比倫的美食而犧牲了己的信仰，
並且冒著生命的危險繼續一日三次禱告，
成為他的習慣
（但 6：1-10）。
他們只是做了正確的事。
其他的成就之路都是由神所鋪成的。
As we advance in our careers, the examples above remind us
to sincerely make the following considerations:
當我們在事業上不斷晉升時，上面的例子提醒我們，
要實實在在的想想以下的問題：
‧ Are these career opportunities engineered by us or by God?
Are we over-working to be rich or to achieve advancement in our career?
‧ 這些工作機會是由我們還是神所主導的呢？
我們有沒有為了致富，或是為了自已事業的提昇而過度工作呢？
‧ Is this promotion pandering to our ego
or is there potentially a higher purpose of God?
‧ 這種昇遷是否是為了迎合我們的自我意識呢？
或者是否可能有神更高的旨意呢？
‧ What is the state of our faith?
That is, are we so close to God
that we are truly focusing on Him
and allowing our way forward to be charted by Him?
Or have we drifted from God
such that we are actually engineering our own moves
but wishfully hoping that God will concur?
‧ 我們的信仰狀態是如何呢？
也就是說，我們是否很親近神呢？
我們真正專心仰賴祂，
並讓祂為我們指明前進的道路呢？
或者說我們已經疏離了神，
使得我們實際在籌劃自己的行動，
但卻一廂情願的希望神會贊同嗎？
‧ If we were to rise to the highest levels in our career,
would we be able to use our achievements to contribute to God?
If so, are we willing?
‧ 如果我們想要升遷到職涯的最高位置，
我們能用自已的成就來獻給神呢？
如果是這樣，我們願意嗎？
‧ Are there any direct conflicts with our faith?
Will we put ourselves in potentially difficult situations
where we may need to compromise our beliefs?
‧ 與我們的信仰有沒有直接的衝突呢？
我們是否會將自己置於可能有困難的情況呢？
而那種情況我們可能需要妥協自已的信仰？
As we search for answers,
the Bible has also laid down the following familiar and related teachings:
當我們尋找答案時，
聖經也定下了以下即熟悉又相關的教導：
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He shall direct your paths.
(Prov 3:5, 6)
5你要專心仰賴耶和華，
不可倚靠自己的聰明，
6在你一切所行的事上都要認定他，
他必指引你的路。
（箴 3：5，6）
Do not overwork to be rich;
because of your own understanding, cease!
Will you set your eyes on that which is not?
(Prov 23:4, 5)
4不要勞碌求富，
休仗自己的聰明。
5你豈要定睛在虛無的錢財上麼？
（箴 23：4，5）
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
and all these things shall be added unto you.
(Mt 6:33)
33你們要先求他的國和他的義，
這些東西都要加給你們了。
（太 6：33）
While everyone’s situation is unique,
maintaining a close relationship with God,
devoting ourselves to deep and long prayers,
and consistently seeking wisdom from Scripture
should certainly provide solutions to whatever circumstances we face.
雖然每個人的情況都是獨一無二的，
與神保持親密的關係，
自已費盡心力於深沉而冗長的禱告，
並不斷從聖經中尋求智慧，
就應該會給我們在面臨的任何情況時，找出解決方案。
VERDICT AT THE END 最終的裁決
“For what profit is it to a man
if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
(Mt 16:26)
“26人若賺得全世界，賠上自己的生命，有甚麼益處呢？”
（太 16：26）
Let us picture the scene at our retirement party.
On that day, we are surrounded by colleagues and business associates
celebrating our illustrious career.
What thoughts will be racing through our minds?
讓我們想像自已退休聚會的景況。
在那天，同事和商業夥伴圍繞著自已，
慶祝我們輝煌的職業生涯。
我們的腦中會閃過什麼念頭呢？
What will we rejoice over?
What will be our regrets?
Will our family still be there as well,
rejoicing and celebrating together with us?
Will we take comfort in knowing that
we have been a light to the world and salt to the earth?
Will we be thankful that
God has walked with us and guided us through our entire career?
Will God be pleased with us?
我們會為何而欣喜呢？
我們會有什麼遺憾呢？
我們的家人還會在一起嗎？
和我們一起歡樂和慶祝嗎？
我們會不會感到安慰，因為知道了，
自已一直都是世上的光，地上的鹽呢？
我們會不會心懷感激，
因為神與我們同行，並引導我們走過了整個職業生涯呢？
神會喜悅我們嗎？
The list of questions can go on.
But for now,
there is still some time before that day.
How we manage our time and efforts in maintaining a balanced life today
will determine how we view our career.
What thoughts do we want at our retirement party?
這些問題清單還可以繼續羅列而出。
但在現在，
距離那一天之前還有一段時間。
我們怎麼去管理自已時間和精力，以維持今日平衡的生活，
將會決定我們如何看待自已的職業生涯。
在退休慶祝時我們想要有什麼看法呢？
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
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