3. Manna issue 87 - Bridging Generation Gaps 填補代溝
Philip Shee—Singapore 新加坡 Phililp Shee
God’s concept of the church has always been that of a multi-generational congregation.
The age diversity is beneficial,
as the church would be able to harness the natural strengths, skills and experiences of each generation
to accomplish her God-given mission.
神對教會的觀念，一直以來都是多重世代會眾聚集在一起。
年齡多元化，是有益的，
因為教會，將能夠利用每一代人的天生優勢，技能和經驗
完成神所賦予的使命。
Regrettably, the reality of inter-generational relations often falls short of this ideal.
Instead of promoting teamwork between diverse individuals, with contrasting but complementary strengths,
we feel more comfortable gravitating towards people with similar views and backgrounds as us.
This often results in a division between the young and the old.
How then, should we bridge these generation gaps in church?
令人遺憾的是，世代關係的實際情況，往往達不到很理想。
不是經由促進不同人之間的互相合作，雖有差異，但確有互補的優勢
而是，對於與我們擁有相似觀點和背景的人，能使我們感到更加自在。
這通常導致年輕人和老年人之間的分隔。
那麼，我們應該如何填補教會中的這些代溝呢？
ENDEAVOR TO KEEP THE UNITY OF GOD’S HOUSE 致力於保守神家的合一
If we recognize that the church is the household of God,
then we must accept that God intends for the church to have members of all ages,
not unlike any other complete household.
Within a diverse community,
it is inevitable for different age groups to have different opinions, preferences and working styles.
After all, each generation has grown up within distinct sociopolitical eras,
encountering different experiences, and exposed to varying trends, technologies, theories and social norms.
And it is human nature to differentiate ourselves from the previous or successive generation,
resulting in divisions within the household of God.
如果我們認為，教會是神的家，
那麼我們必須接受，神打算讓教會擁有所有年齡段的信徒，
與其他任何完整家庭一樣。
信徒可身在多元化的團契，
不同年齡段的人，不可避免地會有不同的見解，偏好和工作方式。
畢竟，每一代人，都在不同的社會政治時代中成長，
會遇到不同的體驗，並接觸到不同的趨勢，科技，理論和社會規範。
與上一代或後代有所區別，是人類的天性，
結果就是，神的家中，有好多不同的群組。
Senior members may lament that the youths of today are so different from how they themselves were at the same age.
Their complaints often eventually lead to a disgruntled list of flaws,
with youths perceived as rash, immature, irresponsible, self-centered, arrogant, or rude.
On the other hand, youths of this era, raised to confidently speak their minds,
may be similarly unrestrained in their opinions of the senior members.
They may think the senior members are behind the times and out of touch with reality,
with senior members perceived as judgmental, stubborn, narrow-minded,
and increasingly irrelevant.
Such strong sentiments are not only anathema to fostering reconciliation,
but also exacerbate divisions in church.
年長的信徒，可能會感到遺憾，認為今日的年輕人，與他們自己在相同年齡的時候，是如此的不同。
他們的抱怨，往往最終導致令人不滿的缺點清單，
認為年輕人好衝動，不成熟，不負責任，以自我為中心，傲慢，或甚至視為很粗魯。
另一方面，這個時代的年輕人，受教開始自信地說出自己的想法，
而他們對年長信徒的看法，可能同樣是不受限制的。
他們可能會認為年長信徒，落伍了，與現實脫節，
年長信徒被認為很武斷，固執，視野狹窄，
很常是說話是文不對題。
如此強烈的情緒，不僅是促進教會聯合的頭號敵人，
而且加劇了教會成群結黨。
Jesus highlighted:
“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation,
and every city or house divided against itself will not stand”
(Mt 12:25).
Instead of fanning the flames of difference,
we should “[endeavor] to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”
(Eph 4:3).
Such an endeavor has to start with a willingness in each of us to adopt a reconciliatory approach,
“with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love”
(Eph 4:2).
Both young and old must have the same wisdom that seeks to build up,
rather than pull down the house
(Prov 14:1).
耶穌強調：
“25凡一國自相紛爭，就成為荒場；一城一家自相紛爭，必站立不住；。”
（太 12:25）。
而不是去煽動差異的火苗，
我們應該“3用和平彼此聯絡，竭力保守聖靈所賜合而為一的心。”
（弗 4：3）
這種努力，必須從我們每個人，願意採用和解方法開始，
“2凡事謙虛、溫柔、忍耐，用愛心互相寬容，”
（弗 4：2）
不論年齡大小，都必須具有相同的智慧，尋找機會彼此造就，
而不是把房子拆毀。
（箴 14：1）。
The first step is to avoid stoking animosity between the generations in church.
But this can be further enhanced if we switch focus from what separates us to what unites us
—the common mission of the church.
After all, by fostering a relentless focus on the one Lord, Jesus, and the higher purpose of His church,
it will be increasingly clear that no petty differences should drive a wedge within the household of God.
第一步是，避免在教會裡，讓各個年齡層之間產生仇恨。
但是，如果我們將注意力，從那些使我們彼此分裂的事項，轉向那些可使我們彼此團結的事情，就可以進一步強化不引起仇恨，
-教會的共同使命。
畢竟，通過不懈地專注於主耶穌，以及教會所背負的崇高的使命，
讓人越來越清楚的是，不該有彼此任何細微的差異，在神的家中引起不和。
MUTUAL RESPECT AND SUBMISSION 彼此敬重順服
Relationships can only be established if there is mutual respect and appreciation.
This is simple in theory,
but relationships become strained when individuals fail to put this into practice.
When a person, either young or old,
expects or feels entitled to the other first showing respect and appreciation before reciprocating,
then the gap between them only widens.
只有通過尊重和感恩，彼此才能建立關係。
理論上很簡單，
但是，如果有人不能付諸實踐的時候，彼此關係就會變的很緊張。
當有一個人，無論年紀大小，
在產生回應之前，會期待別人先表示出尊重和讚賞，也覺得這樣才合情合理，，
那麼他們之間的隔閡只會逐漸擴大。
Traditional approaches dictate that youths should respect their elders;
this is particularly true in Asian cultures.
Some seniors may go so far as to say that youths should never question those older than them.
Youths, on the other hand, may not subscribe to such norms,
believing that respect should be earned, not rewarded on the basis of age alone.
傳統習慣上，會要求年輕人應尊重長者。
在亞洲文化中，特別有如此的情況。
有些長者，甚至可能會這樣認為，年輕人永不可質疑比他們年紀大的長輩。
另一方面，年輕人可能不認同這種社會規範，
會認為，尊重是努力得來的，而不是根據年齡，配隨而來獎勵。
To resolve such opposing perspectives, we must adhere to the Bible’s teaching:
要能夠協調這種對立的觀點，我們就該採用聖經的教導：
You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the LORD.
(Lev 19:32)
32在白髮的人面前，你要站起來；也要尊敬老人，又要敬畏你的神。我是耶和華。
(利 19：32)
Paul even instructed Timothy,
who was vested with the authority of a preacher, to be mindful when pastoring older members:
保羅甚至教導提摩太，
他身具有傳道者的權力，在牧養年長信徒時，要謹記如下：
Do not rebuke an older man,
but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.
(1 Tim 5:1–2)
1不可嚴責老年人，只要勸他如同父親；勸少年人如同弟兄；
2勸老年婦女如同母親；勸少年婦女如同姐妹；總要清清潔潔的。
(提前 5：1)
From the passages above, it is clear that youths should indeed respect older members.
However, before senior members take this for granted,
it is important for them to acknowledge what the Lord expects from them:
從上面的段落中，可以明顯看出，年輕人確實應該尊重年長的信徒。
但是，在長者認為這是理所當然之前，
對他們來說，重要的是，要認知到，主對他們的期望：
The silver-haired head is a crown of glory,
If it is found in the way of righteousness. (Prov 16:31)
31白髮是榮耀的冠冕，在公義的道上必能得著。
(箴 16：31)
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor,
especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. (1 Tim 5:17)
17那善於管理教會的長老，當以為配受加倍的敬奉；那勞苦傳道教導人的，更當如此。
(提前 5：17)
Instead of focusing on how others fall short of what is expected of them,
it would be far better for each to challenge himself to do the right thing.
Youths should indeed respect and submit to their elders.
At the same time, senior members need to realize
that such respect and honor can only be earned
through their righteous conduct, their diligence and labor for the word and doctrine.
與其注意在他人身上，到底他們有那些眾人預期，但卻無法具備的特質，
反而每個人，去強迫做自已本份正確的事，效果則會更好。
青年的確應該尊重並服從長者。
同時，年長信徒則需要意識到，
別人這樣尊重與禮遇，是因為他們的美德所帶來的，
經由他們的公義行為，對聖經和教義的勤奮和努力付出而得來的。
In addition, the Bible actually does not mandate a one-sided dynamic between young and old.
Rather, both are expected to mutually submit to one another,
just as Peter taught in the early church:
此外，《聖經》實際上，並沒有強制年輕人和老年人任何一邊的單方面主動付出。
相反地，大家都想要雙方能彼此順服，
就像彼得在早期教會中，所教導的那樣：
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders.
Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility.”
(1 Pet 5:5a)
5你們年幼的，也要順服年長的。就是你們眾人也都要以謙卑束腰，彼此順服；
(彼前 5：5a)
PARTNERING IN COMPLEMENTARY STRENGTHS 相互彌補力量一起合作
The glory of young men is their strength,
And the splendor of old men is their gray head. (Prov 20: 29)
29強壯乃少年人的榮耀；白髮為老年人的尊榮。
(箴 20：29)
There are inevitable differences between the young and the old.
But if we can learn to admire each other’s respective strengths,
we will be able to integrate as one body and household to contribute towards the ministry.
If the young and old can complement each other
by deploying their unique gifts in partnership,
they can surely accomplish far more than they would if they stayed within their own age groups.
年輕人和老年人之間，有不可避免的差異存在。
但是，若我們可以學會，互相欣賞對方的長處，
我們將能夠作為一個整體，像一個家庭融為一體，為神的事工做出貢獻。
如果年輕人和老年人，可以彼此截長補短，
通過運用各人獨特的恩賜，彼此合作，
肯定會比，只有單獨在自己的年齡群裡作工，能完成更多的工作。
Such exceptional strength, unleashed through complementary partnership,
was experienced in the Israelites’ battle against the Amalekites at Rephidim (Ex 17:8–13).
Moses instructed the young Joshua to select some men to go out and fight the physical battle.
As for Moses himself, being too old for physical battle,
he went up the hill with Aaron and Hur to pray for the battle.
Joshua did not question Moses’ instruction,
despite being the one to face the ever-present danger and demands of frontline battle.
Joshua “did as Moses said to him” (Ex 17:10).
He did not despise Moses for appearing to take a back seat and not joining them on the front line.
Equally, Moses did not insist on leading the battle from the front,
which may come with more visible glory.
Moses wisely chose to let Joshua play to his strengths,
while he made his contribution in a complementary way.
During the battle, whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed.
When he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
When Moses’ hands became heavy, Aaron and Hur supported them.
Israel’s eventual victory over the Amalekites would not have been possible
if either the young Joshua or the elderly Moses refused to acknowledge his own strengths and weaknesses.
Likewise, they would not have been victorious
if they had not willingly worked in complementary partnership.
通過同工互補的關係，所釋放的這種非凡力量，
曾經以色列人在利非訂的時候，與亞瑪力人戰役中，有體驗過
（出 17：8-13）。
摩西指示年輕的約書亞，挑選擇一些人出去參與實體戰爭的戰鬥。
至於摩西本人，由於年紀太大而無法進行肉體的戰鬥，
他與亞倫和戶珥，一起上山為戰鬥禱告。
約書亞沒有質疑摩西的指示，
儘管他要面對前線戰鬥中，無時無刻無所不在的危險和時時都要有所應變。
約書亞“10照著摩西對他所說的話行”
（出 17:10）。
他並沒有因為，摩西看起來躲在後排，沒有和他們加入前線，而鄙視摩西。
同樣，摩西並沒有堅持，要在前線來領導這場戰鬥，
當然這可能會帶來更多可見的榮耀。
摩西明智地，選擇讓約書亞發揮其優勢，
同時他自已，則以互補的方式，做出了自己的貢獻。
在戰鬥中，每當摩西高舉起手的時候，以色列就佔了上風。
當他手垂下來的時候，亞瑪力人就獲勝。
當摩西的手感到很沉重的時候，亞倫和戶珥就來扶著他的手。
如果年輕的約書亞，或年長的摩西，各自拒絕承認自己的強項和弱點
，那麼以色列最終可能無法擊敗亞瑪力人。
同樣，如果他們不願意，彼此互相幫助一起合作工作，
他們可能也不會得到勝利。
In contrast, there was a less favorable outcome during Rehoboam’s reign
(1 Kgs 12:3–20).
When the people came to entreat Rehoboam to lighten their yoke,
he asked them to return in three days while he sought counsel from his officials.
He first consulted the elders who had stood before Solomon, his father.
They advised him to listen to the people and speak good words to them to win their loyalty forever.
Conversely, when he consulted his peers who had grown up with him,
they encouraged him not only to disregard the people’s plea,
but to be even harsher than his father was.
This is a clear example of how the young and the old can hold vastly differing opinions.
The young might have spoken out of misplaced confidence and exuberance
that their childhood friend was now king.
Rash and oblivious to the suffering of the people,
they believed Rehoboam should establish his sovereignty by showing strength.
The elders, on the other hand, were driven by their many years of experience
in helping Solomon administer the nation.
Having their finger on the pulse,
and the maturity to understand how to earn the people’s loyalty,
they believed that Rehoboam should establish his authority
by winning over the hearts of the people.
Unfortunately, Rehoboam chose to follow the advice of the young and spoke roughly with the people.
This resulted in the kingdom being divided into two.
相比之下，羅波安（Rehoboam）的統治期間，就有一個不太理想的結果
（王上 12：3-20）。
當百姓來請求羅波安減輕他們的重軛時，
他要求他們在三天之後再返回，同時之間，他就向官員尋求諮詢。
他先諮詢了侍立在父親所羅門面前的眾長者。
他們建議羅波安，聽取百姓的聲音，並向他們說好話，以永遠贏得他們的忠誠。
相反地，當他諮詢與他一起長大的同伴時，
他們鼓勵羅波安，不僅要無視於人民的懇求，
還要比他父親過去更加嚴厲。
這是一個很明顯的例子，說明了年輕人和老年人，如何持有截然不同的觀點。
年輕人可能帶著不合時宜信心和熱情，而大放厥辭，
這是他們還是兒時好友，且還不是國王說話的方式。
輕率且無視人民的苦難，
他們相信，羅波安應該通過展示力量，來建立自己的權柄。
另一方面，長者則通過多年經驗的判斷，
一直在幫助所羅門管理國家。
隨時掌握著情勢，
且很穩重地，了解如何贏取百姓的擁戴，
他們認為，羅波安應該以通過贏得人心的方式，來建立他的權威。
不幸的是，羅波安選擇了聽取年輕人的建議，並與百姓進行了很粗暴的對話。
這導致王國，被分割為兩個部份。
The discourse between Job, his older friends, and the young Elihu
provides a positive counter-example of inter-generational relations.
In Rehoboam’s case, the young only wanted to listen to the young
and were unwilling to consider advice from the older generation.
In Job’s case, his three friends had spent much time analyzing
and speculating on the cause of his suffering, to no avail.
It was only when they had failed to arrive at the truth of the matter
that Elihu, who was young in comparison, spoke up.
As the Bible records,
“Now because they were years older than he, Elihu had waited to speak to Job”
(Job 32:4).
Hence, we can see how Elihu exercised basic respect for the elders:
約伯，他老朋友，及年輕的以利戶之間的討論，
提供了有正面意義的隔代關係反例。
在羅波安的案例裡，年輕人只聽年輕人的話，
並且不願考慮來自長輩的建議。
而約伯的故事裡，他的三個朋友，花了很多時間進行分析
並推測他受苦的原因，結果無濟於事。
只是當他們未能弄清事情的真相時
相比之下年輕的以利戶問口了。
聖經記載
“4以利戶要與約伯說話，就等候他們，因為他們比自己年老。”
(伯 32：4)
因此，我們可以看到以利戶，如何對長者保持基本的尊重：
“I am young in years and you are very old;
Therefore I was afraid,
And dared now declare my opinion to you.
I said, ‘Age should speak,
And multitude of years should teach wisdom.’
But there is a spirit in man,
And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.
Great men are not always wise,
Nor do the aged always understand justice.” (Job 32:6–9)
6布西人巴拉迦的兒子以利戶回答說：我年輕，你們老邁；因此我退讓，不敢向你們陳說我的意見。
7我說，年老的當先說話；壽高的當以智慧.教訓人。
8但在人裡面有靈；全能者的氣使人有聰明。
9尊貴的不都有智慧；壽高的不都能明白公平。
(伯 32：6-9)
From this passage, it is clear that
while it remains good for the young to accord basic respect to the elders,
the elder can also receive advice from the young, just as Job did.
The key does not really lie with age,
but with he who is wise and able to “understand justice.”
We must be prepared to learn and heed advice,
regardless of the advice-giver’s age relative to ours.
從這段話中，可以明顯看出
雖然年輕人對長者基本的尊重，仍是一件好事，
若像約伯一樣，長者也可以從年輕人那裡汲取建議。
關鍵並不在於年齡大小，
但是指那些，有智慧，並且能夠“了解公義”的人。
我們必須準備好好學習，並聽取他人的建議，
不要在乎那些，那些輔導者的年紀，相對於我們的年紀到底有多少差距。
Seamless Succession 無縫傳承下去
As one generation succeeds another,
it is important that we ensure a smooth transition.
Senior members must take an active interest in the youths,
to patiently understand and nurture them.
Youths, on the other hand, must be diligent to observe
and learn from the senior members as they serve,
to understand the context of different church matters,
and the decision-making process.
For succession to be seamless and the church to continue progressing,
youths need to embrace the positive traditions that senior members have put in place and build on them.
The Bible encourages us:
“Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it”
(Jer 6:16);
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught,
whether by word or our epistle”
(2 Thess 2:15).
隨著老一代傳承給新一代的人，
重要的是，我們要確保傳承能平穩的過渡。
年長的信徒，必須對年輕人產生積極主動的興趣，
耐心地理解和培養他們。
另一方面，青年必須勤於觀察，
在事奉之時，同時向年長的信徒學習，
去了解各種不同教會事務的背景，
以及其決策的過程。
為了使傳承得以順暢無阻，並使教會繼續進步下去，
年輕人需要接受積極傳統，讓年長的信徒得其所位，並以他們為基礎搭建下去。
聖經鼓勵我們：
“16你們當站在路上察看，訪問古道，哪是善道，便行在其間；”
（耶 6:16）;
“15所以，弟兄們，你們要站立得穩，凡所領受的教訓，
不拘是我們口傳的，是信上寫的，都要堅守。”
（帖後 2:15）。
As time marches on and each generation comes of age,
the church traditions handed down to them can start to appear backwards or irrelevant.
It can be tempting to do away with such practices in the name of progress and modernization.
But, unless these practices are against biblical principles,
youths should consider the bigger picture and not dismantle these traditions so hastily.
At the same time, senior members should not resist change and forward-thinking ideas,
as long as they take the church in the right direction, in line with biblical principles.
隨著時間的流逝，每一年代人的年齡都會增長，
傳承下來，給他們的教會傳統，可能會開始倒退，或是變得無關緊要。
若以進步和現代化的名義，而取消這些做法，可能很吸引人。
但除非這些做法違背聖經的原則，
年輕人應該考慮更遠的大局，而不要這麼快就，倉促地拆除這些傳統作法。
同時，年長信徒不應抵制變革，及前瞻性的想法，
只要新方法，仍按照聖經的原則，朝著正確的方向前進即可。
The Bible has left us many wonderful examples of seamless succession.
Moses had Joshua, who followed him closely.
Joshua was with Moses on Mount Sinai,
rather than with the people singing and dancing around the golden calf
(Ex 32:17–20).
Later, he was again aligned with Moses when the people were disheartened after spying out the promised land;
he pleaded with them not to rebel and turn back to Egypt
(Num 14:5–10).
Over many years, Moses mentored and nurtured Joshua to continue the work
that was originally committed to him.
Just before his death, Moses, at God’s instruction,
handed the reins over to Joshua
(Deut 31:7, 14–15, 23).
聖經給我們留下了，許多完美的無縫繼承的例子。
摩西有約書亞，而約書亞緊緊跟隨他。
約書亞與摩西一起在西奈山，
而不是與百姓一起圍著金牛犢唱歌跳舞
（出3 2：17-20）。
後來，百姓在偵查應許之地後，感到沮喪之時，他再次與摩西結盟。
他懇求百姓不要叛亂，再回埃及去
（民 14：5-10）。
多年以來，摩西輔導並培養約書亞繼續工作
那就是從最初所託負給他的工作。
摩西死後不久，因著神的指示，
將權柄交給了約書亞
（申 31：7，14-15，23）。
Elijah threw his mantle on Elisha, who then followed him
(1 Kgs 19:19–21).
Thereafter, Elisha faithfully followed Elijah
from Gilgal to Bethel, to Jericho, and finally to the Jordan
(2 Kgs 2:1–7).
He went all the way with Elijah, till the latter was taken up.
Elisha took up the mantle that had fallen off Elijah,
and inherited a double portion of his spirit
(2 Kgs 2:8–14).
In this manner, Elisha succeeded Elijah’s work.
以利亞把披風丟給以利沙，然後以利沙就跟著他
（王上 19：19-21）。
此後，以利沙忠心跟隨以利亞，
從吉甲到伯特利，再到耶利哥，最後到約旦。
（王下 2：1–7）。
以利沙整路都與以利亞一起走，直到以利亞被接升天。
以利沙接住以利亞身上掉下來的披風，
並繼承了以利亞兩倍屬靈能力
（王下 2：8-14）。
以這種態度，以利沙接替了以利亞的工作。
FINAL REFLECTIONS 最後反思
“Thus says the LORD:
‘I will return to Zion,
And dwell in the midst of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem shall be called the City of Truth,
The Mountain of the LORD of hosts,
The Holy Mountain.’
“Thus says the LORD of hosts:
‘Old men and old women shall again sit
In the streets of Jerusalem.
Each one with his staff in his hand
Because of great age.
The streets of the city
Shall be full of boys and girls
Playing in its streets.’ ”
(Zech 8:3–5)
3耶和華如此說：我現在回到錫安，要住在耶路撒冷中。
耶路撒冷必稱為誠實的城，萬軍之耶和華的山必稱為聖山。
4萬軍之耶和華如此說：
將來必有年老的男女坐在耶路撒冷街上，因為年紀老邁就手拿柺杖。
5城中街上必滿有男孩女孩玩耍。
(亞 8：3-5)
Is this not a heartwarming and beautiful scene of Jerusalem—the church
—to look forward to, with both old and young enjoying peace and harmony?
As we continue our life of faith, worshipping and serving in church,
we must recognize that our attitude, our decisions, our actions and reactions
will all contribute to the church environment.
The progress of the church also hinges on these:
Do we really care about the household of God?
Do we seek to mend any gaps we encounter?
Will we endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace?
Are we prepared to respect, appreciate and submit to one another in the Lord?
Do we have the patience to nurture and the humility to be nurtured?
這難道不是，耶路撒冷令人感到溫馨及美好的場景嗎？教會的景況
可以讓人期待，可以看到老幼同享和諧？
當我們持續自已的信仰生活，教會崇拜和服事之時，
我們必須認知到，自已的態度，決定，行動和反應
都會影響教會的環境。
教會的進步還取決於這些因素：
我們是否真的在乎神的家嗎？
我們是否試圖彌補自已遇到的任何差異？
我們是否會努力，以和平來連繫屬靈的團結？
我們是否準備好在主裡，互相尊重，欣賞和順服了嗎？
我們是否有耐心造就別人，同時謙卑接受別人的指教？
We can make the difference and, together, move towards this image of the perfect church at peace.
我們可以有所作為，並共同朝著完美的和平教會形象邁進。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
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