Manna issue 68 - The Image of a Christian in the Digital Age 數位時代基督徒的形象
How do we behave online? 我們在網路上該如何舉止？
Charmian Chong—London, UK 英國倫敦 Charmian Chong
In this modern day and age, social
networking has become an integral
part of many of our lives. Being
a user of Facebook, I have often
found myself automatically typing
the Facebook web address into the
address bar without even intending
to. When we come home from our
studies or from work, websites such
as Facebook and Twitter allow us to
continue interacting with the outside
world. However, in doing so, has it
ever occurred to us that we are not
only communicating with others, but
that we are also creating a virtual
image for ourselves? Does this image
conform to God’s expectations of
His children? As social networking
becomes an increasingly significant
part of our daily lives, the way we
portray ourselves online is becoming
just as important as the way we
present ourselves as Christians in our
normal lives.
在這現在的時代中，社群媒體已經融入我們許多人生活中的一部份。
身為一個臉書 Facebook 的使用者，
我常常發現自已自動在網址欄輸入臉書的網址，甚至不用下意識去這麼作。
當我們從工作完，或是學習完回到家之後，
一些網站，如Facebook 臉書和 Twitter 推特，
讓我們可以繼續和外界來互動。
然而，這麼作了之後，我們有沒有想過，
自已不只在和別人溝通，而且我們也在塑造自已網站的形象呢？
而這個形象是否符點神對祂子女的期待呢？
隨著社群媒體逐漸成為我們每日生活中，重要的一部份，
我們在網站上如何形塑自已，
已經如同我們如何在日常生活中，如何表現自已是基督徒的方式，是一樣的重要。
ALL THAT IS IN THE WORLD 一切都在世界之中
The image that the world wants us to
convey—one of outer beauty, success
and high status—is clearly promoted
by magazines and on television. It is
also referred to in the Bible:
世界要我們去傳達的形象，如
一個人美麗的外表，功成名就，有崇高的社會地位，
電視和媒體雜誌，都很明顯的倡導這些意象。
這也是聖經裡面所指出來的：
For all that is in the world—the lust
of the flesh, the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life—is not of the
Father but is of the world.
(1 Jn 2:16)
16因為凡世界上的事，就像肉體的情慾，眼目的情慾，
並今生的驕傲，都不是從父來的，乃是從世界來的。
(約壹 2：16)
Just as Jesus was confronted with
these worldly values when tempted
by Satan (Mt 4:1–11), we too are
constantly being bombarded by
these ideas. People set trends and
the world encourages us to follow
them. It is natural for us to feel
more comfortable blending in with
everyone else because the world
pressurizes us to look, speak and
behave as others do. But Jesus
has already told us that the world
“neither sees Him nor knows Him…”
(Jn 14:17). Therefore the world will
have expectations of us that are not
in line with the teachings of Christ.
As more and more people follow
the trends of the world, there will
be pressure on Christians to likewise
conform.
就如同耶穌被撒旦試探，要面對這些世俗價值觀的挑戰(太 4：1-11)，
我們也常常被這些想法所轟炸。
有人創立了新潮流，而世上鼓勵我們去效法。
對我們而言，若能融入大家，很自然地會感到更加自由，
因為世界壓迫著我們，可以像別人一樣，有同樣的看法，說話的方式，一樣的外在表現。
但是耶穌已經告訴我們，這個世界，
"因為不見他，也不認識他。"
(約 14：17)
所以，世界會期待我們，要作的和基督的教導有所不同。
隨著有越來越多的人在效法這個世界的潮流，
對基督徒而言，也會有要去效法的壓力。
If we think about it, social networks
are also a medium by which such
ideals are encouraged. What are we
revealing to others about ourselves
when it comes to our own Facebook
profile? If someone “tags” an
unattractive picture of us, we may
immediately feel embarrassed, and
we can very easily “untag” ourselves.
Our statuses reveal to others what
is on our mind. We “like” things to
show others what we approve of.
Through all these actions, we build
up an image of ourselves; one that
we allow or even want others to see,
in terms of looks, things we support
and things that we think about. As a
result, we must be watchful of how
we conduct ourselves, not only in our
daily lives, but also online.
若我們好好想想，社群媒體也是一個媒介，
其中我們也會面對到這些想法。
當說到我們自已的臉書檔案時，
我們會表現出什麼樣子的自已給別人看呢？
若別人"標記"了一張我們不漂亮的照片，
我們可以會馬上覺得很丟臉，
可以就很容易的"取消標記"自已的部份。
我們的狀態帶給別人所知道的，就是我們在想什麼。
我們對某些事物按了"讚"，就是在告訴別人我們贊同什麼事。
經由這一切的行為，我們建立起自已的一個形象；
是一個我們要讓別人看到，甚至是想要去別人去看到的一面，
不論是看法上，支持的事情，甚至是我們會關心的事。
結果是，我們必需要很小心自已的行為舉止，
不只在日常生活中要很小心，而且連網路上的行為也要很小心。
DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD 不要效法這個世界
It is important for us to first reflect on
the image we portray to others in our
normal day-to-day lives. Do we find
that we do what the world expects
of us? Paul encouraged the members
in Rome:
對我們來說，很重要的是，要先想到，
在日常生活中，我們形塑出來給別人的形象。
我們是不是有發現，自已所作的，正式這個世界希望我們這麼作三
保羅鼓勵羅馬的信徒：
And do 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.
(Rom 12:2)
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。
(羅 12：2)
We should not conform because
we are actually not of this world,
merely sojourners and pilgrims (1 Pet
2:11). We must therefore remember
who we are on this earth. We do not
belong here, so we do not need to
resemble people of the world.
我們不該效法，因為我們真的不是屬於這個世界，
不過一群旅居的人和朝聖者。
(彼前 2：11)
所以，我們一定要在世上，記得自已是什麼身份。
我們不屬於這裡，所以我們不要像這世上的人民一樣。
Jesus explains to us how we should
live whilst we are in this world:
You are the light of the world. A
city that is set on a hill cannot be
hidden... Let your light so shine
before men, that they may see your
good works and glorify your Father
in heaven.
(Mt 5:14, 16)
14你們是世上的光。城造在山上是不能隱藏的。
16你們的光也當這樣照在人前，叫他們看見你們的好行為，便將榮耀歸給你們在天上的父。
(太 5：14，16)
A candle that is lit in a dark room
can be seen easily; it stands out and
lights up the corner that it is in. When
we are lost in a dark place, a torch
can help us see and find our way
around. What Jesus requires of us is
to be different. Rather than blending
in with the darkness, we should lead
others to Jesus with courage and
boldness, just as a little bright light
can help someone find their bearings
and walk in the right direction. As
the light of the world, we do not
need to be afraid of shining for our
Lord. When others see that we are
different, that we are of God, we
introduce them to Jesus and in doing
so we glorify our Father in heaven.
在暗室中所點燭光，是很容易為人所見；
它會很突出，並且照亮其中的每個角落。
當我們在黑暗之地迷失的時候，
有火把就能幫我們看清楚，找到自已四週的路。
而耶穌對我們的要救，就是要我們與眾不同。
而不是一起混在黑暗之中，我們當剛強壯膽把別人帶到耶穌面前，
就如微小的亮光，就能幫人找到自已的方位，走向正確的方向。
身為世界之光，我們不需要害怕去為主發光。
當別人看到我們有所不同的時候，
我們是從神而來的，就能把耶穌介紹給他們，
這麼作了，就是在榮耀我們天上的父。
So what can we do to bring light
to those around us? In our daily
lives we can shine through our
speech and deeds, speaking words
seasoned with salt, and acting in
love and kindness. For example, we
can monitor the words that we speak
by restraining ourselves from using
inappropriate language, even if those
around us freely speak such words.
Refraining from certain unchristian
activities, despite others taking part
in them, shows that we hold on to a
set of godly values. We can show the
love of Christ in our actions, through
even the smallest of deeds. Helping
someone we see needing it, or caring
for the needs of our brothers and
sisters, can radiate the compassion
of Jesus: a simple greeting or “how
are you?” shows others that we care
about them. We should therefore
remember who we are on this earth
and aim to diffuse Christ’s fragrance,
enabling others to draw closer to
Him.
所以我們能作什麼，才能把亮光帶給四周的人呢？
在日常生活中，我們可以透過言行發光，
說話並且鹽來調味，出於愛心和仁慈的行動。
例如，我們可以好好管理自已所說的話，
而禁絕自已去使用那些不合宜的語言，
即使我們身邊的人，都很自在地使用這些語。
克制不參加一些不合基督徒的活動，雖然有些人會參與，
這就可以表明，我們是持守著一套敬虔的價值觀。
我們可以在行為上，表現出基督的愛，甚至是透過一些微不足道的小動作。
幫助那些我們所看到，有需要的人，
或是幫補那孺有需要的弟兄姐妹，可以散發出耶穌的同情憐憫的心腸：
一個簡單的打招呼，或是一句問候語"你好嗎？"這可以告訴別人，我們關心他們。
所以我們在這個世上，應該記得自已的身份，
在世的目的是要傳播基督的芬芳，讓別人可以靠近祂。
If someone “tags” an unattractive picture of us, we may immediately feel
embarrassed, and we can very easily “untag” ourselves. Our statuses reveal
to others what is on our mind. We “like” things to show others what we
approve of. Through all these actions, we build up an image of ourselves.
若有某個人"tags 標記"了一張我們不太好看的照片，立刻我們就會覺得很丟。
我們就可以很容易地"untag 去除標記"來改變自已。
我們的狀態，表現給別人知道，我們到底在想什麼。
我們"ike 按讚"的東西，告訴別人我們贊同什麼事情。
經由這些行動，我們建立了自已的形象。
ADOPT THE IMAGE OF CHRIST ONLINE 採用基督在線上的形象
Once we know our identity, we can
understand what sort of image it is we
should be portraying. As previously
mentioned, our Father is in heaven
(Mt 5:16), so as His children, we
should look like our heavenly Father,
in the same way that a son looks like
his parents. What were some of the
attributes of Christ whilst He was on
earth?
一旦了解了自已的身份，我們可以知道自已應該扮演那種形象。
就如之前所提到的，
我們的父在天上(太 5：16)，
所以身為祂的子女，我們也應該看起來也像是天上的父，
同樣的道理，兒子看起來會像他的父母。
那麼當基督在世上的時候，祂到底有些什麼樣的特質呢？
Love 愛
Christ had the greatest love, so
much so that He was willing to
humble himself to the point of death.
However, this was not the only way
in which Christ demonstrated His
love. He also showed that He was
selfless by caring for the wellbeing of
those around Him. Before Jesus gave
up His spirit on the cross, He asked
John to take care of His mother (Jn
19:25–27). Even at the point of death,
Christ thought about His mother and
who would take care of her.
基督有最偉大的愛，
就是愛的那麼深，到最後祂甚至願意謙卑自已，直到死的地步。
然而，這並不是基督唯一展現祂愛心的方式。
祂也表現出自已的無私，來關心那些在祂身邊人的幸福。
耶穌在十字架上交出祂的靈魂之前，
祂請求約翰要好好照顧祂的母親(約 19：25-27)。
甚至在祂臨死之前，基督想到了母親，
以及考慮到要由誰來照顧祂。
Jesus instructs us to love our
neighbor as ourselves (Mt 22:39; Lev
19:18). This is the second greatest
commandment from God (Mt
22:36–39). Jesus uses the parable
of the good Samaritan to illustrate
how one can love one’s neighbor (Lk
10:30–37). The Samaritan had mercy
and compassion on the man who had
been beaten, by not only providing
immediate care by bandaging the
victim’s wounds, but also by going
beyond this and taking him to the inn
and paying for his stay there.
耶穌教導我們要愛鄰如已(太 22：39；利 19：18)。
這是從神而來第二大的誡命(太 22。36-39)。
耶穌用善良的撒瑪利亞人的比諭，
來描繪人們應如何愛自已的鄰舍(路 10：30-37)。
這位撒瑪利亞人的，有慈心，同情那位受傷的人，
不只是立刻提供照顧來包紮病人的傷口，
而且還作得更多，把他帶到旅店去，為他付了些房錢，讓他停留在那裡休息。
Likewise, God wants us to have
love for one another. We can use
social networks to our advantage
and show our love for others, for
example, by using Facebook to check
up on them during the week. A
simple “Hi, how’s your week going?”
or a few encouraging words can help
cheer someone up. Keeping in touch
with our brethren when we are not in
church shows that we are still mindful
of them, and they will be able to feel
the love of our Father through us.
同樣的道理，神要我們對別人有愛。
我們可以用社群網路成為自已有用的工具，
對別人表示出自已的愛心，例如，
每週用一些時間在臉書看看他們怎麼了。
一句簡單的問候語，"你好嗎？本週過得好嗎？"
或是一些鼓勵別人的話，可以幫別人開心起來。
當我們不在教會的時候，和弟兄保持聯絡，
可以顯示出我們仍然對他們很關心，
經由我們的關係，他們就能夠感覺到我們天父的慈愛。
Peaceable 和平相處
Whilst on this earth, Jesus did not
cause disputes but made peace,
despite facing much opposition.
When Jesus went to the temple one
morning, the scribes and Pharisees
brought an adulteress to Jesus to
test Him, hoping to find something
to accuse Him of (Jn 8:6). Rather
than retaliating, Jesus remained
silent. He then spoke words of mercy
to the adulteress that shook their
conscience (Jn 8:1–12). Jesus did
not worsen the situation by speaking
harshly and getting involved in their
trouble-making.
當在世間的時候，耶穌雖然面對很多人的反對，
並沒有引起爭端，而是製造和平。
有一天早上耶穌去聖殿，
文士和法利賽人帶了一位犯姦淫的女人來到耶穌面前來測試祂，
希望可以找到一些事情來控告祂(約 8：6)。
祂沒有去報復，耶穌仍然保持沉默。
然後祂對這個犯姦淫的女人，說了憐憫的話，
而這些話則是動搖了文士和法利賽人的良心(約 8：1-12)。
耶穌並沒有讓情況變得更糟，說一些嚴厲的話，
並且加入他們一起興風作浪。
Similarly, Paul reminds us “to speak
evil of no one, to be peaceable,
gentle, showing humility to all men”
(Tit 3:2). We can be peacemakers
online as well as in our daily lives by
speaking words of gentleness and not
stirring up trouble. As the preceding
verse says, we can do this by speaking
evil of no one. Like Jesus, we should
remain silent if our involvement
in certain conversations will only
cause more tension. If we find that
someone posts something online
aimed negatively at us, we should all
the more try to remain silent. Instead
of posting things that provoke or
reveal our anger, we should try to use
words that instill peace in the hearts
of those who read them. In this way,
we will surely project the peaceful
appearance of Christ.
同樣地，保羅提醒我們，
"2不要毀謗，不要爭競，總要和平，向眾人大顯溫柔。"
(多 3：2)
我們在網路上，也能成為和平使者，
也同樣地在日常生活中，用溫柔的話和別人溝通，而不引起麻煩。
就如之前的經節說到，我們這麼作到，就是不要說別人的壞話。
就好像耶穌一樣，若我們加入了某些對話，只會引起更多緊張的情況，
我們就該保持安靜。
若我們發現，有人在網路上貼文，目的要傷害我們，
我們就更應該要試著一直保持沉默。
相對地不要再去回應，而引起筆戰，或是發洩自已的怒氣，
我們該試著用話語在那些需要的人心中注入和平。
只有這個方式，我們才能確定能發散出基督和平的外貌。
Holiness 聖潔
When Christ was faced with
temptation (Mt 4:1–11), He was able
to resist and remained blameless.
Rather than allowing the things of
the world (the lust of the flesh, the
lust of the eyes and the pride of life)
to cause Him to sin, He was able to
remain holy.
當基督面對試探(太 4：1-11)，
祂可以抵制，並且保持毫無沾污。
而沒有讓世上的事情(肉體的情慾，很目的情慾，今生的驕傲)
來讓祂犯罪，祂可以一直保持聖潔。
Since the days of the Israelites, God
has instructed His people to be holy:
自從以色列人的時代到如今，
神早就已經指示祂的子民要保守聖潔：
“You shall be holy, for I the Lord
your God am holy.” (Lev 19:2)
你們要聖潔，因為我耶和華─你們的神是聖潔的。
(利 19：2)
As our heavenly Father is holy, so
we must be holy in all that we say and
do. The things that we post or “like”
on Facebook, for example, give an
indication as to what we approve of.
“Like”-ing images or posts that are
inappropriate can defile us and our
brethren:
就如同我們的天父是聖潔的，
所以我們一定要在自已的一切的言行上，保守聖潔。
例如我們在臉書上的貼文，或是按贊的文章，
就會讓人有一點了解，我們到底贊同那些東西。
幫那些不合宜的圖片或文章 "Like 按讚"，
會沾污我們和弟兄姐妹：
The lamp of the body is the eye.
Therefore, when your eye is good,
your whole body also is full of light.
But when your eye is bad, your
body also is full of darkness.
(Lk 11:34)
34你眼睛就是身上的燈。你的眼睛若瞭亮，全身就光明；眼睛若昏花，全身就黑暗。
(路 11：34)
Therefore, we should refrain
from even looking at such images.
Moreover, we should use words
seasoned with salt, which will impart
grace, rather than foul language. We
must take heed to resist the things of
the world so that we do not cause
ourselves or our brethren to stumble.
所以，我們甚至要遠離，不去看這些圖象。
不僅如此，要使用合宜的話，讓這些話帶來恩典，
而不是用髒話。
我們一定要小心來自世上的事情，
這樣才不會讓自已或弟兄姐妹跌倒。
As social networking is
becoming such a large part of our
lives, we should all the more strive
to achieve the likeness of our Father.
Although it is difficult to do this, we
must remind ourselves that, though
we live in the world, we are not of
the world; rather, we are the sons
of Christ. With this status in mind,
let us be diligent to glorify God. By
imitating the image of Christ, we
bring His light to all those who can
see us, whether this be in the real or
the virtual world.
隨著社群網路成為我們生活中的一大部份，
我們該更加努力去完成效法我們天上的父。
雖然要這麼作很困難，我們一定要提醒自已，
雖然我們活在世上，我們並不屬於這個世界；
反而要認清自已是基督的兒女。
若心中一直有這種身份的認知，
就讓我們努力來榮耀神。
藉著效法基督的形象，
我們就能把祂的亮光，帶給那些看見我們的人，
不論這種情況是發生在真實的生活中，還是在虛擬的網路世活上。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
Manna 嗎哪 56 (1)