8. Manna issue 96 - A More Abundant Life (Part 2)_ Direction and Richness 一種更豐盛的生命（第二回）：方向與富足
Based on sermons by Raymond Chou—San Jose, California, USA 參考講道美國加州聖荷西
Editor's note:
In the first part of this series (Manna 95),
we learned how pursuing true peace and hope in Christ
leads to a more meaningful and abundant life.
This concluding article examines how our direction and attitude to riches
can affect our earthly lives and our destination hereafter.
編者按：
在此系列（嗎哪 95 期）的第一回中，
我們學習到如何在基督裡追求真正的平安和盼望，
從而獲得更有意義且豐盛的生命。
這篇結尾文章將檢視我們對財富的方向和態度，
可以如何影響我們地上的生活及來世的歸宿。
We all hope to live a rich and abundant life.
Many in the world pursue physical riches
and work to build up their wealth and possessions,
believing these will bring joy, satisfaction, and meaning to their time on earth.
With these goals in mind, their direction in life is set.
But where does such a path lead?
我們都希望過上富足且豐盛的生活。
世上許多人追求物質財富，
努力積累財富與產業，
認為這些事物能夠為他們地上的時間帶來快樂、滿足和意義。
懷抱著這些目標，他們確立了人生的方向。
但這樣的道路究竟會通向何處呢？
As Christians, we understand
that our time on earth will determine our destination beyond this life.
So it is important for us to consider the trajectory of our lives.
How do we choose the right direction?
Where are our hopes and dreams leading us?
How can we gain true richness and abundance in this life and beyond?
作為基督徒，我們明白,
我們在世上的時間，將決定自已來世的去處。
因此，我們需要認真思考自已人生的軌跡。
我們要如何選擇正確的方向呢？
我們的盼望與夢想正引領我們走向何處呢？
我們如何在今生及來世獲得真正的豐盛與富足呢？
CHOOSE THE RIGHT DIRECTION 選擇正確的方向
We are told that hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance make the recipe for success.
But this is not always the case.
If we work towards the wrong goal,
we will have regrets no matter how hard we work.
If we set off in the wrong direction,
we will end up at the wrong destination,
regardless of how fast we run or how arduous the journey.
我們常被告知，成功的秘訣在於努力工作，犧牲和堅持不懈。
但事實並非總是如此。
如果我們努力前往錯誤的方向，
無論我們多麼努力，最終都會感到後悔。
如果我們出發選錯了方向，
無論跑得多快，旅程多麼艱辛，
最終會到達錯誤的目的地。
So, choosing the right direction is important.
If we have a clear direction, each step will bring us closer to our goals.
Our values and goals influence the decisions we make, both big and small, each day.
These choices, in turn, determine the quality and outcomes of our life.
Choosing the right direction could lead us to untold joys;
the wrong direction, or the lack of one, will lead to deep regret.
因此，選擇正確的方向非常重要。
如果我們有明確的方向，每一步都會使我們更加接近自已的目標。
我們的價值觀和目標會影響著自已每天所做大大小小的決定，
反過來，這些選擇會決定了我們生命的品質與結果。
選擇了正確的方向可以給我們帶來無法言喻的喜悅；
而錯誤的方向或是沒有方向，則會導致深深後悔。
This is why it is essential to ask God for wisdom
to make the right decisions and for guidance in the right direction.
這就是為什麼，必須向神祈求智慧很重要，
可以做出正確的決定，且請求引導走在正確的方向。
A Life-Changing Decision 改變生命的決定
Simon Peter was one of Jesus' closest disciples and witnessed Jesus' transfiguration.
He became an important worker and a pillar of the apostolic church.
Thousands of years later, we are still learning from his example.
But he could only walk such an illustrious path
because he made a series of life-changing decisions,
putting his life on a course that diverged drastically from that of a typical Galilean fisherman.
西門彼得是耶穌最親近的門徒之一，
並見證了耶穌的變貌。
他成為了使徒教會重要的工人與支柱。
數千年之後，我們仍然效法他的榜樣。
然而，他之所以能夠走在如此上好道路的原因，
是因為他做出了一系列改變人生的決定，
將自己的生命導入了一條道路，與普通的加利利漁夫截然不同。
Luke 5:1–8 describes one of Peter’s early encounters with Jesus.
Many people had gathered by the lake to hear Jesus teach,
but Peter and the other fishermen were washing their nets after a night of fishing.
Nets would become damaged and tangled during regular use,
so repairing and keeping them in good condition were essential for a good catch.
Suddenly, Jesus climbed into Peter's boat
and asked him to put out the boat a little distance from the land
so that Jesus could speak to the whole crowd.
路加福音 5 章 1–8 節，描述了早期彼得與耶穌相遇的其中一個場景。
許多人聚集在湖邊聽耶穌講道，
而彼得和其他漁夫夜間捕魚後，則正清洗漁網。
漁網平常使用的過程中，會受損傷和纏繞打結，
因此修理魚網與保持其良好的狀況，對於想要有大豐收至關重要。
突然，耶穌登上了彼得的船，
並命令他將船離陸地停遠一些，
以使耶穌能夠對整群人講道。
If we were Peter, how would we respond?
Peter was in the middle of an important task, essential to his livelihood,
when a stranger asked to use his boat.
At this point, he had to make a deceptively simple decision.
He could have told Jesus,
"Don't you see that I am busy with something important?"
Or, more politely,
"Could I help you after I have finished my task?"
But he did not.
如果我們是彼得，我們會怎麼回應呢？
彼得當時正忙於一項重要的工作, 對他生計十分重要，
當有陌生人請求使用他的船。
此時，他必須做出一個看似簡單的決定。
他本可以告訴耶穌：
“你沒看到我正忙於重要的事情嗎？”
或者更禮貌的說：
“等我完成工作後，就可以幫你了。”
但他並沒有這樣做。
Today, we face a similar decision.
Jesus has come into our lives,
and we have the opportunity to get to know Him and the gospel of salvation.
How will we answer His invitation?
今日，我們面臨了類似的抉擇。
耶穌已經進到我們的生命中，
我們有機會去認識祂和救贖的福音。
我們將如何回應祂的邀請呢？
We could say that we are too busy
or that following Jesus would be inconvenient.
We could choose to focus on our livelihood or careers
—to ignore Jesus' request and keep repairing our net.
Or we could acknowledge Jesus but tell Him that it is not a good time.
Some people see faith in Jesus as good and meaningful
—they believe in the soul and in judgement after death
—but they say, "I will come back later."
我們可以說自已太忙了，
或說跟隨耶穌會很不方便。
我們會選擇專心於自已生計或事業
—就忽視了耶穌的請求，繼續修補自已的網子。
或者我們可以承認耶穌的存在，但告訴祂現在不是合適的時機。
有些人認為信仰耶穌很好且很有意義，
—他們相信靈魂和死後的審判，
—但他們說：“我以後會再回來。”
However, there is no certainty in life.
Accidents can happen at any time.
If we delay and continue to decline Jesus' invitation,
the door of salvation may close to us.
When we decide it is time to accept Jesus,
He may no longer be in the boat.
We will wonder how things could have turned out
if we had welcomed Jesus into our lives.
然而，人生無常，
意外隨時都可能發生。
如果我們一再拖延並拒絕耶穌的邀請，
救恩之門可能會對我們關閉。
當我們決定要接受耶穌的時候，
祂可能已經不在船上了。
我們會想知道，若當初我們歡迎耶穌進入自已的生命時，
事情會怎麼發展下去。
But Simon Peter chose differently.
He accepted Jesus onto his boat
and obeyed His instruction to put it out from the shore.
但西門彼得做出了不同的選擇。
他接受了耶穌上船，
並順從祂的指示，把船划到岸邊外。
When I Am Retired 何時我要退休？
There was once a truth-seeker
who came to church for a long time but declined baptism.
He had received the Holy Spirit and had even brought others to believe and be baptized.
He explained:
"When you are baptized, you must give up your whole life to God.
But I am too busy right now.
And as a businessman,
I wouldn't be able to lie or bend the rules to gain more profit.
I will get baptized after I retire;
then, I will work hard for God."
This truth-seeker did not consider the fact
that he might not live long enough to see retirement.
曾經有一位慕道者，
他長期會來教會，卻遲遲不肯受洗。
他已經得到了聖靈，甚至帶領其他人來信並且受洗。
他解釋說：
“受洗後，你必須放棄整個生命獻給神。
但我現在太忙了。
作為一個商人，
我就無法再說謊或篡改規則去獲取更多的利潤。
等我退休後才會去受洗，
到時我會努力為神工作。”
這位慕道者卻沒有考慮到這種情況，
他可能不會活得夠長去看到退休的那一天。
First, Listen to God's Word 先聽從神的話語
In Luke 5:4–7, Jesus told Simon Peter,
"Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."
After doing so, Peter and the other fishermen gathered two boatloads of fish.
In our astonishment, we often overlook the sequence of events:
only after Jesus had finished teaching the multitudes did he tell Peter to let down his net.
在路加福音 5 章 4-7 節中，耶穌告訴西門彼得，
“4把船開到水深之處，下網打魚。”
彼得和其他漁夫照做之後，捕得滿滿兩船的魚獲。
在我們驚訝中，我們常常忽略了事件的順序：
只有在耶穌教導完眾人之後，祂才告訴彼得撒下魚網。
Some people come to church to seek miracles or help from God.
They want physical or material blessings
—health and wealth
—and believe in Jesus as a method to solve their problems.
They commit to Christianity for as long as they are blessed,
or leave to seek out other religions for the same purpose.
But this is not pursuing religion; this is pursuing a trade.
有些人來到教會是為了尋求神蹟或從神而來的幫助。
他們想要的是身體健康或物質上的祝福
—健康與財富
—並以信耶穌作為解決問題的方法。
只要他們一直得到祝福，就會繼續信基督教，
一旦沒有得到祝福，就會轉而尋求其他宗教以達到相同目的。
但這不是在追求信仰；而是在追求一種交易。
Of course, everyone comes to Jesus for different reasons.
Some have health problems, family issues, or the feeling of emptiness.
Our loving heavenly Father wants to help and heal us,
and He is willing to bless us.
However, we must learn to grow in our faith
and progress from simply seeking physical help to walking in the right spiritual direction.
We believe in Jesus not just so we can have a smooth life
but so that our soul can gain eternal salvation.
We must listen to the teachings of Jesus
and strive to know Him and His word before going out to fish.
Jesus reminds us:
當然，每個人來到耶穌面前的原因都不一樣。
有些人有健康問題，家庭困難，或是感到空虛。
我們慈愛的天父想要幫助醫治我們，
祂很樂意祝福我們。
然而，我們必須學會在信仰上成長，
且不僅從追求肉體的幫助進步到走在正確屬靈的方向。
我們信耶穌，不只是為了讓生活順利，
更是為了使我們的靈魂得到永恆的救恩。
我們必須聽從耶穌的教導，
並努力認識祂和祂的話語，然後才出去撒網打魚。
耶穌提醒我們：
"Therefore do not worry, saying,
'What shall we eat?'
or 'What shall we drink?'
or 'What shall we wear?'
For after all these things the Gentiles seek.
For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
and all these things shall be added to you."
(Mt 6:31–33)
“31所以，不要憂慮說：
吃甚麼？
喝甚麼？
穿甚麼？
32這都是外邦人所求的，
你們需用的這一切東西，你們的天父是知道的。
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 6：31-33）
After listening to Jesus speak,
we will receive blessings and help from God.
God knows what we need, and when we seek Him and His righteousness first,
He will provide for us.
聽從耶穌的教導後，
我們將會得到神的祝福和幫助。
神知道我們有什麼需要，當我們先尋求祂和祂的公義時，
祂必會為我們預備。
We often focus on the consequences of the fisherman's actions
—the fact that he cast his net and caught an abundance of fish,
demonstrating the benefits of believing and trusting in Jesus.
But we forget Peter's initial response to Jesus' instruction,
"Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing"
(Lk 5:5b).
As an experienced fisherman,
Peter informed Jesus that the likelihood of catching any fish was slim.
However, Peter went against his own judgment and said,
"[N]evertheless at Your word I will let down the net"
(Lk 5:5c).
我們常常只注意到漁夫行動的結果，
—他下網並捕到很多魚的事情，
展示了信主和信靠耶穌的好處。
但我們往往忘記彼得最初對耶穌指示的回答：
“5夫子，我們整夜勞力，並沒有打著甚麼。”
(路 5：5b)。
作為一位有經驗的漁夫，
彼得告訴耶穌，捕任何魚獲的機率微乎其微。
然而，彼得違背了自己的判斷，說道：
“5但依從你的話，我就下網。”
(路 5：5c)。
What was going through Peter's mind when he cast his net?
Likely, he did not believe Jesus would help him catch much fish, based on his experience.
And Jesus did not promise him a great catch or any other blessings.
So, Peter did not cast his net because he was expecting a positive outcome.
He simply decided to do as Jesus asked.
His mindset was: Because You spoke, I will obey.
He found value in following Jesus' direction.
It did not matter if he caught two or two boatloads of fish
—he had found something more valuable than any of these.
當彼得撒下網時，他心中在想什麼呢？
同樣的，根據他的經驗，他不會認為耶穌會幫助他抓到多少魚。
而且，耶穌並沒有應許他會大豐收或是有其他的祝福。
因此，彼得撒網並不是因為期待會有好的結果。
他只是決定按照耶穌的要求去做。
他的心態是：因為你說了，我就照作。
他發現了遵照耶穌指示是有好處的。
無論他是捕到兩隻魚，還是滿滿兩船的魚獲，都無關緊要，
—他已經找到了比這任何事物更有價值的東西。
Readjusting Our Values and Direction 重新調整自已的價值和方向
When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying,
"Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!"
For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken;
and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee,
who were partners with Simon.
And Jesus said to Simon,
"Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men."
(Lk 5:8–10)
8西門彼得看見，就俯伏在耶穌膝前，說：
主阿！離開我，我是個罪人！
9他和一切同在的人都驚訝這一網所打的魚。
10他的夥伴西庇太的兒子雅各、約翰，也是這樣。
耶穌對西門說：不要怕！
從今以後，你要得人了。
（路 5：8–10）
While most fishermen would be overjoyed at such a miraculous blessing of abundant fish,
Peter's reaction was curious.
When everyone else rejoiced over the amazing catch,
Peter saw the Savior amidst the miracle.
When everyone else was busy counting the fish,
he bowed before Jesus and proclaimed himself a sinner.
He did not bask in the wealth and benefits the fish brought
but realized that a relationship with Jesus was the most valuable thing he could gain.
The miracle was no longer important to Peter
because its purpose was to lead him to believe in Jesus
and experience spiritual abundance.
雖然大多數漁夫面對如此奇蹟的大量魚獲，都會欣喜若狂，
但彼得的反應卻令人好奇。
當其他人還為這驚人的漁獲欣喜時，
彼得卻在這奇蹟中看見了救主。
當其他人都忙著數算魚獲的數量時，
他卻跪伏在耶穌面前，承認自己是個罪人。
他並沒有沉浸在魚獲所帶來的財富和利益中，
而是意識到與耶穌有關係才是他能獲得最寶貴的事物。
對彼得來說，這個神蹟已經不再重要了，
因為它的目的在於引導他信靠耶穌，
並體驗到屬靈的豐盛。
Many fishermen were by the sea of Galilee that day,
but most are no longer remembered by history or by God.
On the other hand, Simon Peter made a series of decisions
that changed his life and values, altering his direction.
He forsook all and followed Jesus.
May Jesus give us wisdom, like Peter,
to understand the decisions we must make and the direction we should take
to live a more abundant life.
那天，加利利海邊有許多的漁夫，
但大多數人都已不再被歷史或神所記念。
相反的，西門彼得做出了一連串的決定，
改變他人生和價值觀，轉變了他的方向。
他捨棄一切，跟隨了耶穌。
願耶穌賜給我們像彼得一樣的智慧，
來明白我們所該做的決定和該走的方向，
才可以過上更加豐盛的生活。
RICHNESS 富足
The Deceptiveness of Wealth 財富欺騙性
Society teaches us that to gain an abundant life,
we must go in a particular direction and hit certain milestones.
We study hard for exams so that we can enter a prestigious school,
attain a good degree, and launch a lucrative career
that will fund a comfortable lifestyle and prosperous future.
Other paths can lead in this direction, but the underlying belief is the same:
pursuing wealth brings joy, security, and value to our lives.
But the Bible tells us that those who love silver will not be satisfied with silver
(Eccl 5:10).
Many rich people understand how to preserve and grow their wealth,
but the greedy will never be satisfied no matter how much money they have.
社會教導我們，為了獲得豐盛的人生，
我們必須朝著特定的方向前進，並且達成某些里程碑。
我們努力讀書考試，為的是能進入一所名校，
取得好學位，進而開啟一份高薪的職業，
才有資金維持舒適的生活方式和富裕的未來。
雖有其他途徑也可以達到這個目標，但背後的信念卻是一致的：
追求財富會給我們的生活帶來快樂，安全感和財富。
然而聖經告訴我們，10貪愛銀子的，不因得銀子知足
（傳 5：10）。
許多富人懂得如何保存和增長財富，
但貪婪的人無論擁有多少金錢，永遠都不會滿足。
My Work Is Done—Why Wait? 我的工作已經完成—為何要等待？
George Eastman was the founder of Kodak,
which, a hundred years ago, was the equivalent of Apple.
He grew up in a low-income family
but became one of the wealthiest men in the world
because of his innovations in film photography and his business acumen.
He built Kodak into a world-leading photography brand and achieved all his ambitions.
However, such success does not protect against all the ills that life could bring.
After developing a debilitating and painful spinal condition, he took his own life.
In the note he left behind, he wrote:
My work is done—why wait?
He felt he had nothing to look forward to
—that life was not worth living.
Even vast wealth pales into insignificance in the face of great suffering.
喬治．伊士曼是柯達的創辦人，
百年前的柯達相當於今天的蘋果。
他成長於低收入的家庭，
但憑藉著他電影拍攝領域的創新和商業才智，
成為全球最富有的人之一。
他打造柯達成為世界領先的攝影品牌，實現了所有的抱負。
然而，這樣的成功並不能抵禦生活中的一切苦難。
在罹患了一種使他痛苦不堪的脊椎退化症狀後，他選擇結束自己的生命。
他在留下的遺書中寫道：
我的工作已完成—為何還要等待呢？
他感覺自己沒有盼望，
—認為生命已不值得延續。
即使擁有巨大財富，在巨大的痛苦面前也變得微不足道。
As a preacher, I have the opportunity to visit many places,
including countries where the members are poor.
I once visited a family in the Dominican Republic who lived in a slum
and saw a group of children playing baseball.
They had no shoes or baseball gloves;
they used a rock as their ball and a stick as their bat.
I was initially troubled and shocked,
but the joy in their faces and the sound of their laughter struck me.
I thought, They don't have anything,
but their lives are full of joy;
yet in such a prosperous nation as the US,
where we and our children have many things,
such laughter is rare.
作為一名傳道人，我有機會到訪許多地方，
包括一些信徒貧困的國家。
我曾探訪多明尼加共和國的一個家庭，他們住在貧民窟中，
看到了一群孩子在玩棒球。
他們沒有鞋子或棒球手套，
以石頭為球，以棍子為球棒。
起初我感到困擾和震驚，
但是他們臉上的喜悅和他們的笑聲深深打動了我。
我心想，他們什麼都沒有，
但是他們生活中充滿了喜樂；
然而在像是美國這樣的繁盛國家裡，
我們和孩子們擁有很多事物，
卻很少聽到這樣的笑聲。
The Parable of the Rich Fool 愚昧財主的比喻
The parable of the rich fool tells of a hard-working and successful man
who yielded plentifully and devised a plan to pull down his barns
and build larger ones to store his crops and goods for years to come
(Lk 12:16–21).
We can learn from his virtues.
Firstly, he yielded plentifully without resorting to devious means.
We can assume that he labored honestly to grow and harvest his crop,
and his efforts were aptly rewarded.
He was also forward-thinking, making plans to prepare for the future.
He had the skill, ability, talent, and foresight to grow his wealth.
Not only that, he knew that there was more to life than working hard,
and he planned to enjoy the fruit of his labors.
愚昧財主的比喻講述了一位勤奮成功的人，
他有大豐收，並計劃拆掉自已的穀倉，
建造更大的來儲存他的莊稼和財物，以備多年之需
（路 12：16-21）。
我們可以從他的優點中學到一些教訓。
首先，他豐收了，卻沒有採取不正當的手段。
我們可以假設他誠實勞動，種植又收穫了他的作物，
而他的努力也得到了應有的回報。
他也是個有遠見的人，計劃未來的準備。
他擁有技能，能力，才幹和遠見來增加他的財富。
不僅如此，他還知道生活不僅僅是辛苦工作，
他還計劃享受自己勞動的果實。
Some people operate with a scarcity mentality
—the feeling and anxiety of having insufficient time, money, and other resources,
even when this is not the case.
They may be affluent,
but they are obsessively frugal with their money,
preferring to build up their bank balance over spending on perceived indulgences,
to the point of self-neglect.
A member once shared with me that he could not bring himself to go on vacation
despite working hard six days a week.
He had thought about it for years,
but in the end, he could not bear the double loss
—first, losing the opportunity to make money,
and second, having to pay for the vacation.
有些人抱持著匱乏心態
—感到焦慮缺乏時間，金錢或其他資源，
即使情況不是這樣。
他們可能很富有，
但是他們過度節約用錢，
寧願不斷增加銀行存款，也不願花費在他們認為的放縱享受上，
甚至到了自我忽略的地步。
有一位信徒曾與我分享，他無法允許自己去度假，
儘管每週辛苦工作六天。
他想了這件事很多年，
但最終仍無法忍受這雙重損失
—首先是失去賺錢的機會，
二是必須支付度假的費用。
The rich man in the parable
not only knew how to make money but also how to enjoy it.
So why did God consider him to be a fool?
比喻的愚昧財主，
不僅懂得如何賺錢，也懂得如何享受。
但為什麼神仍然認為他是愚蠢的呢？
The False Promise of Materialism 物質主義的虛假承諾
And I will say to my soul,
"Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years;
take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry."
(Lk 12:19)
19然後要對我的靈魂說：
靈魂哪，你有許多財物積存，可作多年的費用，
只管安安逸逸的吃喝快樂罷！
（路 12：19）
The first reason God considered the man foolish was
that he sought to use material possessions to satisfy the emptiness of his heart.
Individuals in this generation often feel something is missing in their lives.
Young people will usually say they are bored.
As they grow older,
they learn to conceal their restlessness and spiritual emptiness with other things
—ambitions, passions, amusements, addictions.
If they do not know the meaning of life,
then they are free to pursue their heart's desire.
And yet, the emptiness in their hearts is never filled.
神認為這個人愚蠢的第一個原因是，
是因為他想要用物質財富來滿足內心的空虛。
在這個世代，許多人常常感覺生命中缺少了什麼。
年輕人常會說他們很無聊。
隨著他們年齡增長，
就學會用其他東西來掩飾自已的焦躁不安與心靈的空虛
—野心，熱情，娛樂，嗜好。
如果他們不知道生命的意義，
那麼他們就會放開追求自己內心的慾望。
然而，他們內心的空虛卻從未被填滿。
Some people attempt to satisfy this emptiness by accumulating wealth.
They indulge in luxurious purchases and novel experiences
to stimulate their emotions.
However, they often still feel a void
because the heart's desires cannot be satisfied with such things.
This is the sad story of today's consumerist world.
Like the rich fool who said to himself,
"Take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry,"
we try to fill our emptiness
by consuming endless streams of goods and entertainment.
But like the rich man, we often do not realize
that these things will not bring us true and lasting joy.
有些人試圖通過積累財富來填補這種空虛。
他們沉迷於購買奢華品和體驗新奇的事物，
來刺激自己的情感。
然而，他們常仍然感到內心空虛，
因為內心的慾望無法用這些東西來滿足。
這是當今消費主義世界的悲哀故事。
就像那個愚昧的財主告訴自已說，
“安心吧，吃喝快樂”，
我們試者填補自已的空虛，
通過享用各種源源不絕的商品和娛樂。
但如同那個財主一樣，我們往往沒有意識到，
這些東西並不會帶來真正且持久的喜樂。
Yearning for the Simple Life 嚮往簡單的生活
In a previous job, I had an assistant.
We were roughly the same age,
but on his first day, he arrived driving a Mercedes-Benz S-Class
—a car I had never seen before in the flesh.
I gradually discovered
that he lived with his high-flying executive mother and a butler in a mansion,
and they owned six cars in total.
One day, I stopped by his house, and I was awestruck.
At the time, twenty years ago,
this property was worth four million US dollars
and had a golf driving range on the grounds.
There was a part of the house that no one could enter, not even my assistant,
because it had been custom-designed and built by a famous designer
and had cost USD $280,000.
I had only seen such lavishness on TV;
it was hard to process.
I told him he was blessed to live in such luxury.
But my assistant hated it.
To him, it was like living in a cold and lifeless museum.
His mother was never home, and he was lonely.
He yearned to return to his childhood
when his mother did not work and his father was a teacher.
They lived in a small house and were together all the time.
He missed gathering around the small table with his family for hotpot
and would have traded everything
—the fancy house, the cars, the watches
—for that simple life again.
在前一份工作中，我有一位助理。
我們大約年紀相仿，
但他第一天來上班時，就開來一輛 S class 賓士轎車，
—是一台我從未親眼看過的汽車。
我慢慢發現，他和自已高管母親及一位管家住在一座豪宅裡，
他們家總共擁有六輛車。
有一天，我順道經過他家拜訪，頓時感到很震驚。
當時，是二十年前，
這座房產的價值高達四百萬美元，
庭院還設有高爾夫練習場。
房子有一部分是沒有人可以進入的，甚至連我助理都不行，
因為那房子是由一位著名設計師客制設計建造的，
花費了 28 萬美元。
我以前只在電視上見過這種奢華，
在現實中很難實現。
我告訴他，他很有福氣，能住在這樣的豪宅裡。
但我的助理卻厭惡這一切。
對他而言，這就像是住在一座冷冰冰、毫無生氣的博物館。
他的母親總是不在家，他非常的孤獨。
他渴望回到自已的童年時光，
那時他母親還沒有工作，父親是一名教師。
他們住在一間小房子，一家人經常在一起。
他懷念全家圍著小桌子一起吃火鍋的日子，
甚至願意放棄一切，
—豪宅，名車，名錶，
—只為能再次擁有那簡單的生活。
If we feel that our life is meaningless,
we need to seek a new direction.
Matters of the heart can only be solved by focusing on the soul.
And the emptiness of life can only be satisfied by Jesus Christ.
If we know the true gospel of salvation,
we will realize there is more to life.
If we change the direction of our life,
we will discover what is truly valuable and gain satisfaction.
如果我們感到生活沒有意義，
我們需要尋找新的方向。
心靈的問題只能通過專注於靈魂來解決，
而生命的空虛只有靠著耶穌基督才能得到滿足。
如果我們明白救贖的真福音，
就會意識到生命還有更深遠的意義。
如果我們改變自已生命的方向，
便會發現真正有價值的東西，並且得到滿足。
Life Is in God's Hands 生命在神的手中
"But God said to him,
'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you;
then whose will those things be which you have provided?'"
(Lk 12:20)
“20神卻對他說：
無知的人哪，今夜必要你的靈魂；
你所預備的要歸誰呢？”
（路 12：20）
The second reason God called the rich man a fool was
that he failed to understand that life was not within his control.
None of us knows what will happen in the next moment.
We make plans spanning ten or twenty years, which is not wrong,
but have we considered that we may not live to reach those years?
Humans think that life is in their hands—that they control their future.
The reality is that there are no guarantees;
life is fragile, and circumstances are often beyond our control.
神認為財主很愚昧的第二個原因是，
他不能明白，生命並不在他的掌控。
我們誰也不知道下一刻會發生什麼事。
我們計劃著未來十年，二十年的跨度，這並沒有錯，
但我們是否考慮過，自已可能無法活到那個年紀呢？
人們以為生命掌握在自己手中，認為自己能控制未來。
但現實是，生命沒有保證；
生命脆弱，環境往往不在我們的掌控之中。
So when the rich man assumes he will have time to enjoy life, God deems him a fool.
If the Lord decides to take away our life today, what good would all our wealth and success be?
所以當財主認為自已還有時間享受人生時，神卻認為他是愚蠢的。
如果主決定今日取走我們的生命，那麼我們所有的財富和成功又有什麼意義呢？
"So is he who lays up treasure for himself,
and is not rich toward God."
(Lk 12:21)
“21凡為自己積財，
在神面前卻不富足的，也是這樣。”
（路 12：21）
Wealth is not a problem in itself, and being rich is not a sin.
There is no issue with working hard and seeking financial security
to improve the quality of our lives.
But the question is whether we are rich or poor before God.
We may eat, drink, and be merry,
but when the time comes for us to meet our Maker,
if we stand before Him empty-handed, He will deem us a fool.
財富本身不是問題，富足也不是一種罪。
努力工作並尋求財務穩定並無不妥，
可以來提升生活品質。
但問題在於，在神面前我們到底是富有還是貧窮。
我們或許可以吃喝快樂，
但是當我們面對造物主的那一刻來到時，
我們是否在祂面前空手而立，祂將會認為我們是一個傻瓜。
CONCLUSION 結論
We all have hopes for the future
but should acknowledge that anything could happen.
In the time we have left
—however much time God allows us
—let us consider the meaning of life and reflect on what is truly valuable.
This is how we gain wisdom
to understand the direction we should take in life,
and live accordingly
(Ps 90:12).
我們每個人都有未來的期盼，
但也應該承認任何事情都有可能發生。
在我們所剩下的時間裡，
—無論神賜予我們多少時間，
—讓我們思考生命的意義，並反省什麼才是真正有價值的事物。
這樣，我們才能獲得智慧，
明白人生應該走的方向，
並按此而行
（詩 90：12）。
Make the life-changing decision to accept Jesus into our lives,
heed His words, and follow His direction.
Resist the worldly influence of materialism,
which sells us the lie
that earning and consuming more will fill the void that only Jesus can fill.
Do not trust in riches, but trust in God,
who holds our life in His hand.
Let us redirect our focus towards our heavenly goal,
for where our heart lies, so does our treasure
(Lk 12:33–34; Mt 6:19–21).
Then, when we meet our Lord, He will truly be pleased with us.
做出改變生命的決定，來接受耶穌進入我們的生命，
聽從祂的話語，並跟隨祂的引導。
抵制世俗物質主義的影響，
因為物質主義其實銷售給我們謊言，
讓我們以為賺取和消費更多就能填補只有耶穌才能填滿的內心空虛。
不要依靠財富，而要信靠神，
祂掌管我們的生命在祂手中。
讓我們再專心自已天國的目標，
因為我們的心在哪裡，我們的財寶也在哪裡
(路 12：33-34；太 6：19-21)。
這樣，當我們面見主的時候，祂必定直的喜悅我們。
May we live a valuable and meaningful life in God's eyes
so we can have abundance in this life and gloriously enter the next.
願我們在神的眼中過著有價值且有意義的生活，
讓我們在今生得享豐盛，並且榮耀地進入來世。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
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