6. Manna issue 97 - Let Each One Remain in the Same Calling 讓個人持守蒙召的身份
Jachin—Singapore 新加坡
It is said
that dissatisfaction is the mother of improvement and the fuel of ambition.
Technological advances are made
when people seek solutions to unsatisfactory situations,
and we are taught to continually seek improvement in our lives,
not maintaining the status quo.
俗話說，
不滿是進步之母，是追求的動力。
當人尋求解決不滿意情況的方法時，
科技就會進步。
我們也被教導要不斷追求生活的進步，
而不是維持現狀。
However, the Bible teaches something very different. Paul writes:
然而，聖經的教導卻截然不同。保羅寫道：
Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called.
(1 Cor 7:20)
20各人蒙召的時候是甚麼身分，仍要守住這身分。
(林前 7：20)
Paul encourages the believers in Corinth to remain in the state they are in,
even if their circumstances do not seem ideal.
Why does the Bible give such a teaching?
How is this message relevant to our lives today?
保羅鼓勵哥林多教會的信徒，也要維持他們現在的身份，
即使他們的處境看起來並不理想。
聖經為何會有這樣的教導呢？
這訊息與我們今日的生活有何關聯呢？
GOD PLACES US IN DIFFERENT STATES 神安置我們於不同的狀態
But as God has distributed to each one,
as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk.
And so I ordain in all the churches.
(1 Cor 7:17)
17只要照主所分給各人的，
和神所召各人的而行。
我吩咐各教會都是這樣。
(林前 7：17)
God calls every one of us in different states and stages in our lives.
In Paul's time, some believers were called while unmarried,
and others were called while married.
Some were circumcised at the time of their calling, and others, uncircumcised.
Some were slaves, others free.
Paul instructs them to continue in the same state they were called,
whatever that state may be.
In fact, he repeats the sentiment twice more and adds,
"so I ordain in all the churches"
(1 Cor 7:17, 20, 24).
神在我們生命中不同的狀態和階段呼召我們大家。
在保羅的時代，有些信徒蒙召時未婚，
而有些則是蒙召時已婚。
有些人蒙召時已受割禮，有些人則未受割禮。
有些人是奴隸，有些人是自由人。
保羅教導他們，都要保持他們當初蒙召時相同的狀態，
無論那可能是什麼身份。
事實上，他又重複這種觀點兩次多，並補充說：
“我在眾教會也吩咐你們如此行。”
(林前 7：17，20，24)
Why does Paul place such emphasis on this principle?
Because it is human nature to feel dissatisfied,
especially when we see others who are better off.
Comparison is the thief of joy.
When a fellow believer is blessed by God in their lives,
we may expect similar blessings.
However, this will not always be the case!
為什麼保羅如此強調這種原則呢？
因為人的本性會感到不滿，
尤其是我們看到別人過得比較好的時候。
比較是喜樂的小偷。
當信徒在生活中蒙受神的祝福時，
我們或許會期待得到類似的祝福。
然而，情況並非總是如此！
Concerning our spiritual status, we are all equal;
we have all had our sins forgiven and are all children of God.
However, with regard to our worldly state,
we cannot expect equality
since it was God Himself who placed us in our respective situations
(1 Cor 7:17).
就我們的屬靈狀態而言，我們都是平等的；
我們自已的罪都已蒙赦免，都是神的兒女。
然而，關於我們的世俗地位，
我們不能期望平等，
因為是神親自將我們安置在各自的處境。
(林前 7：17)
The Bible is not opposed to changes that make our lives better.
However, the Bible is opposed to dissatisfaction.
聖經並不反對改變，使我們的生活變得更美好。
然而，聖經反對的是不滿。
Let us take a closer look at this principle
and how it can apply to different groups of people.
讓我們仔細查看這個原則，
以及它可以如何適用於不同的人群。
TO THE UNMARRIED 給未婚之人
Recognize God's Purpose for You 明白神給你的旨意
But I say to the unmarried and to the widows:
It is good for them if they remain even as I am.
(1 Cor 7:8)
8我對著沒有嫁娶的和寡婦說，
若他們常像我就好。
(林前 7：8)
The Bible says,
"It is not good for man to be alone"
(Gen 2:18)
and
"Two are better than one"
(Eccl 4:9).
Why, then, does Paul say that it is good to remain unmarried?
聖經說：
“18那人獨居不好”
(創 2：18)，
“9兩個人總比一個人好”
(傳 4：9)。
那麼，為什麼保羅會說獨居是好的呢？
Paul mentions that this was not a commandment from the Lord but from his own judgment
(1 Cor 7:25).
However, he says,
"I think I also have the Spirit of God"
(1 Cor 7:40)
—in other words, his judgment was guided by the Holy Spirit.
There would be little reason for an uninspired opinion
to be recorded for us in the Bible
as all Scripture is useful for teaching and training in righteousness
(2 Tim 3:16–17).
保羅提到，這不是主的誡命，而是出於祂自己的判斷
(林前 7：25)。
然而，他說：
“40我也想自己是被神的靈感動了。”
(林前 7：40)
—換句話說，聖靈引導他的判斷。
若觀點不是啟示而來，但卻被記錄在聖經裡，
那就沒有太大的意義，
聖經裡沒有任何理由的記錄是未經默示的觀點，
因為聖經於教訓與教導人學義都是有益的
(提後 3：16-17)。
The context of the time informs Paul's judgment:
the Corinthian believers were in a time of distress, facing intense persecution
(1 Cor 7:26).
Remaining unmarried would thus spare them "trouble in the flesh"
(1 Cor 7:28).
Married men care about how to please their wives.
Married women care about how to please their husbands
(1 Cor 7:34).
This is not wrong
—spouses have a responsibility to please each other.
But these spousal responsibilities,
combined with the added stress of external persecution,
would divert their attention away from pleasing the Lord
(7:32–33).
當時的背景決定了保羅的判斷：
哥林多教會的信徒正處於困境的時期，面臨強烈的逼迫
(林前 7：26)。
因此，保持單身可以使他們免於“肉體的苦楚”
(林前 7：28)。
已婚男子關心如何取悅自已的妻子。
已婚女子關心如何取悅自已的丈夫
(林前 7：34)。
這並沒有錯，
─夫妻有責任彼此取悅。
但是，這些夫妻的責任，
加上外部逼迫帶來的額外壓力，
會分散他們的心思，使他們無法取悅神
(7：32-33)。
However, Paul does not propose that every unmarried person should remain so.
The condition for remaining unmarried is the ability to exercise self-control
(1 Cor 7:9).
Without this, the person may burn with passion and even commit sin.
Since this gift of celibacy is not universal
(1 Cor 7:7),
there is no sin in getting married, even in times of persecution.
然而，保羅並非提議所有未婚的人都應該保持單身。
保持單身的條件是能夠自我節制的能力
(林前 7：9)。
若無自制，那人可能會慾火焚身，甚至犯罪。
由於獨身的恩賜並非共通標準
(林前 7：7)，
即使在遭迫害的時期，結婚並非罪過。
Today, we may not be undergoing significant stress or persecution.
But Paul's counsel remains highly pertinent
because those without the gift of celibacy
may experience a period of singlehood that lasts longer than expected,
making them frustrated that they have not found a suitable partner in the Lord.
In such situations, some believers hold God to ransom
and demand that He give them the person they like,
while others take matters into their own hands
and look for a partner outside of church.
If we are at such a stage of singlehood,
let us not move ahead of God.
如今，我們或許沒有經歷巨大的壓力或迫害。
但保羅的勸告仍然至關重要，
因為那些沒有獨身恩賜的人，
可能會經歷一段單身時期，時間比預期的更長，
這讓他們而感到沮喪，因他們在主裡找不到合適的伴侶。
在這種情況下，有些信徒會想要脅神，
並強制要求祂賜給自已他們心儀的對象；
而另有一些人則會自行決定婚姻，
在教會外尋找伴侶。
如果我們正處於這樣的單身階段，
就不要急於行事，不等候神的時機。
There was a preacher whose sister was of marriageable age
but could not find anyone.
So, he told her,
"Let us commit this matter to our daily prayers,
and if God wills, you will find a husband."
She followed his advice and prayed about it every day[b],
and after some time,
she indeed met someone and married in the Lord.
有一位傳道人，他妹妹到了適婚年齡，
卻找不到對象。
於是，他告訴她：
“讓我們把這件事交託在每日的禱告，
如果神願意，你一定會找到丈夫。 ”
她聽從了他的建議，每天為此禱告[b]，
過了一段時間，
她果然遇到了一個人，並在主裡結婚了。
God has a purpose for every situation He puts us in.
If we are single right now,
His purpose is not to frustrate us but to allow us to devote ourselves to the matters of God
(1 Cor 7:32).
We should entrust our marriage prospects into His hands
and allow Him to work in our lives.
Let us remain in the state He has called us
and not become frustrated while we are single.
神安排我們身處的每一種境況都有祂的旨意。
如果我們現在單身，
祂的旨意並非要讓我們沮喪，而是要讓我們自已專心投入於神的事。
(林前 7：32)
我們應該將自已婚姻的期待交託在祂的手中，
並讓祂在我們的生命中動工。
讓我們保持祂呼召我們的狀態，
不要在單身時感到沮喪。
TO THE MARRIED 給已婚之人
Have a Christ-Centered Perspective 有基督為主的觀點
Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord:
A wife is not to depart from her husband.
But even if she does depart,
let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband.
And a husband is not to divorce his wife.
(1 Cor 7:10–11)
10至於那已經嫁娶的，我吩咐他們；其實不是我吩咐，乃是主吩咐說：
妻子不可離開丈夫，
11若是離開了，不可再嫁，或是仍同丈夫和好。
丈夫也不可離棄妻子。
(林前 7：10-11)
In the previous case, Paul gave a concession to single believers
who wanted to get married.
In this case,
Paul commands married believers hankering to exit their marriage:
"A wife is not to depart from her husband"
and "a husband is not to divorce his wife."
之前有一種情況，
保羅對想要結婚的單身信徒給予讓步。
在此情況下，
保羅命令渴望離婚的已婚信徒：
“妻子不可離開丈夫”，
“丈夫也不可離棄妻子”。
This command extends to unions where one spouse has come to believe in the Lord,
but the other has not.
The Bible tells us that this is an incompatible marriage
—but even so, Paul says that one cannot divorce their unbelieving wife or husband
(2 Cor 6:14; 1 Cor 7:13).
這條誡命也適用於夫妻只有一方信主，
而另一方尚未信主。
聖經告訴我們，這是不相容的婚姻，
—但即便如此，保羅也說，人不可與未信的妻子或丈夫離婚。
(林前 6：14；林前 7：13)
There could be many reasons sparking a believer's desire
to leave their unbelieving spouse,
such as differences in belief, the spouse's bad character, or neglect of the family.
While the world accepts these as grounds for divorce,
Paul says these are not valid reasons.
As long as the other party is willing to live with us,
we cannot divorce them
(1 Cor 7:12–13).
可能有許多原因，會激起信徒的情慾，
想要離開自已未信主的配偶，
例如信仰差異，配偶的壞性格或對忽視家庭。
雖然世界接受這些論點作為離婚的理由，
但保羅說這些不是合適的理由。
只要另一方願意與我們同住，
我們就不能離婚。
(林前 7：12-13)
Similarly, Jesus tells us that adultery is the only acceptable cause for divorce
(Mt 5:32, 19:9).
Unhappiness is not.
In our marriage vows,
we say,
"For better, for worse, in sickness and in health."
We do not say "until I am unhappy."
同樣，耶穌告訴我們，通姦是離婚唯一可接受的理由
(太 5：32，19：9)。
憂愁則不是。
在我們的婚姻誓言中，
我們會說：
“無論順逆，健康或疾病。”
我們不會說：“直到我不快樂。”
Some time ago, I stumbled upon an online Christian forum
where many wives considered leaving their marriages.
They had many complaints against their husbands,
such as
"he did not do this,"
"he hasn't changed,"
or "I can't stand him anymore."
The phrase "I am unhappy" often appeared.
When challenged with the word of God, they replied,
"But what about my happiness?"
A forum member replied,
"God is not interested in your happiness.
God is interested in your obedience."
前段時間，我偶然發現一個基督教網路論壇，
那裡很多妻子想要離婚。
她們對自已的丈夫有很多抱怨，
例如，
“他沒這樣做，”
“他一點都沒有改變，”
或者“我再也受不了他了。”
“我不快樂”這句話經常出現。
當她們遇到以神的話語來質問她們時，她們回答說：
“但我的幸福呢？”
一位論壇成員回答：
“神不在乎你的幸福。
神在乎的是你的順服。”
This is not entirely true.
God is interested in our happiness.
However, true and lasting happiness can only come from obeying God.
這並非是完全正確的。
神確實是關心我們的幸福。
然而，真正持久的幸福唯有來自順服神。
From a self-centered perspective,
we may view our happiness as more important than God's commands.
From a Christ-centered perspective,
we accept our circumstances, holding space
for the possibility that things may change for the better
(1 Cor 7:16).
In the end, we may even save our unbelieving spouse!
從自我中心的角度來看，
我們可能認為自身的幸福比神的誡命更重要。
從以基督為主角度來看，
我們接受自身的處境，保留空間，
讓情況有可能出現好轉的可能性
(林前 7：16)。
最終，我們甚至可能拯救自已未信的配偶！
Often, people walk out of their marriages
because they have the misconception that they will be happier
if they are free of the other party.
But in reality, true happiness does not come from our worldly state.
We find joy in Christ,
regardless of our state,
if we obey the commandments of God.
人們常常會脫離自已的婚姻，
因為他們會有錯覺，自已會更快樂，
如果擺脫了另一半。
但事實上，真幸福並非源自於我們世上的狀態。
我們會在基督裡找到喜樂，
無論我們的狀態如何，
只要我們遵守神的誡命，
Before marriage, we carefully consider whether to enter into marriage,
but after marriage, separation should not be an option.
Instead, let us remain in the state we were called
(1 Cor 7:24).
結婚前，我們慎重考慮是否要步入婚姻，
但是婚後，分居不該是一種選項。
相反的，我們應該保守自已蒙召的身分。
(林前 7：24)
TO THE CIRCUMCISED AND UNCIRCUMCISED 給蒙割禮及未受割禮之人
Know What Matters 知以何為重
Was anyone called while circumcised?
Let him not become uncircumcised.
Was anyone called while uncircumcised?
Let him not be circumcised.
Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing,
but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.
(1 Cor 7:18–19)
18有人已受割禮蒙召呢，
就不要廢割禮；
有人未受割禮蒙召呢，
就不要受割禮。
19受割禮算不得甚麼，不受割禮也算不得甚麼，
只要守神的誡命就是了。
(林前 7：18-19)
To some Jews, circumcision was everything.
It signified their special status and covenant with God.
It mattered so much to some of the Jewish Christians
that they tried to force the Gentile Christians to become circumcised as well.
But here, Paul shatters their worldview:
circumcision actually counts for nothing in Christ!
對某些猶太人來說，割禮就是一切。
它像徵著他們自已的特殊身份，以及與神的契約。
對一些猶太基督徒來說，割禮是如此的重要，
以至於他們試圖強迫外邦基督徒也接受割禮。
但保羅在這裡打破了他們的世界觀：
在基督裡，割禮其實沒有意義！
Then, there was another group of Jewish believers
who was ashamed of being circumcised and wanted to become uncircumcised.
However, Paul tells them
that what really matters is whether they keep God's commandments.
後來，又有一群猶太信徒，
他們以受割禮為恥，想要不再受割禮。
然而，保羅告訴他們，
真正重要的是他們有沒有遵守神的誡命。
Today, we probably have no desire to become circumcised or uncircumcised.
However, there may be other things we proudly cling to or seek,
such as academic accomplishments, financial success, or social influence.
While the world looks highly upon these,
Paul puts them into perspective:
such status markers are worthless compared to gaining Christ
(Phil 3:4–8).
如今，我們或許不會想要受割禮或不受割禮。
然而，或許還有其他的事物，我們會很驕傲不原放棄或追求，
例如是學術成就，財務成功或社會影響力。
雖然世界高度重視這些，
保羅好好的審視了這件事：
若與贏得基督相比，這些身份象徵根本沒有價值。
(腓 3：4-8)
Conversely, we may be ashamed of our circumstances,
such as growing up in a poor or troubled family.
The feeling of shame drives people to change their situation
or seek some form of escape, positive or otherwise.
These aspects of our history may feel significant,
but Paul reminds us that such distinctions do not matter in Christ
(Gal 3:28–29; Col 3:11).
As Christians, we should accept the circumstances we came from and may still exist in.
Do not take these to heart
because we dwell with God in whatever state we are called
(1 Cor 7:24).
相反，我們可能羞於自己的環境，
例如成長於貧窮或有困難的家庭。
這種羞恥感驅使人們想要改變處境，
或是尋求某種形式的逃避，無論積極還是其他的方式。
我們過去的這些面向可能感覺很重要，
但保羅提醒我們，在基督裡這些差異並不重要
(加 3：28-29；西 3：11)。
身為基督徒，我們應該接受自已原來的處境，而且可能仍處於的其中。
不要把這些問題放在心上，
因為我們無論蒙召是什麼身份，都與神同在
(林前 7：24)。
TO THE SLAVES 給奴僕
Be Content in Any Situation 無論在甚麼景況都可以知足
Were you called while a slave?
Do not be concerned about it;
but if you can be made free, rather use it.
For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord's freedman.
Likewise he who is called while free is Christ's slave.
You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.
(1 Cor 7:21–23)
21你是作奴隸蒙召的麼？
不要因此憂慮；
若能以自由，就求自由更好。
22因為作奴僕蒙召於主的，就是主所釋放的人；
作自由之人蒙召的，就是基督的奴僕。
23你們是重價買來的，不要作人的奴僕。
(林前 7：21-23)
In those days, slaves were on the lowest rung of society.
There was no equality between a slave and his master;
the slave was always inferior.
But Paul says that those called as slaves should not be overly concerned
because, from a Christ-centered perspective, it is of no consequence.
Whether we are a slave or free in the world, in Christ, we are free.
Moreover, in Christ, we are all slaves to Him
(1 Cor 7:22).
在那個年代，奴隸處於社會最底層。
奴隸和主人之間並沒有平等；
奴隸總是比較下等。
但保羅說，那些蒙召還是奴隸的人不必過度擔憂，
因為從基督為主的觀點來看，這無關緊要。
無論我們在世上是奴僕或自由人，在基督裡，我們都是自由的。
而且，在基督裡，我們都是祂的奴僕。
(林前 7：22)
Traditional slavery has long been abolished.
However, many of us may be slaves to our work.
We slog to gain a promotion or incessantly seek a higher-paying job
to free ourselves from the drudgery of lowly-paid labor.
We pursue side hustles or start a business to achieve financial independence.
There is nothing wrong with taking the opportunities presented to us
—as Paul tells the slaves,
"if you can be made free, rather use it"
(1 Cor 7:21).
The problem is when we become overly concerned about these things
—when we start sacrificing our family time,
our mental and physical health, and our relationship with God
to climb the corporate ladder and pursue a better status.
傳統的奴隸制度早已被廢除。
然而，我們許多人卻可能淪為工作的奴隸。
我們艱苦努力爭取晉升，或是不斷尋找高薪工作，
以便自已擺脫低薪勞動單調乏味的工作。
我們從事副業或創業，以實現經濟獨立。
抓住眼前的機會並沒有錯
—正如保羅告訴奴隸，
“21若能以自由，就求自由更好”
(林前 7：21)。
問題在於，當我們過度關注這些事情時，
—當我們開始犧牲自已家人相處的時間、
我們的身心健康，以及我們與神的關係，
去攀登事業階梯及追求更高的地位。
Undoubtedly, slaves who witnessed others gaining freedom
would desire the same liberation.
The desirable outcomes that hard work can bring
—affluence, an aspirational lifestyle, early retirement
—are even more apparent in this age of global mass marketing and social media.
While the Bible advocates working hard in our worldly labors
(Prov 6:6, 13:11, 14:23),
we must have the correct perspective.
毫無疑問，若奴隸目睹他人獲得自由，
就會渴望獲得同樣不受抱束。
辛勤工作就能帶來這理想的結果，
—富裕，理想的生活方式，提前退休，
—在這全球大眾行銷和社群媒體盛行的時代則更加明顯。
雖然聖經提倡我們在自已的世界勞動努力工作
(箴 6：6，13：11，14：23)，
但我們必須擁有正確的觀點。
We labor for our daily needs and sustenance
(Gen 3:19; 2 Thess 3:10–12),
not to build wealth and improve social status.
We work diligently because it is God's will for us
to serve our masters in the world with sincerity and submission, as to the Lord
(Col 3:22–23; 1 Pet 2:18–20).
We cannot serve both our heavenly Master and mammon
(Mt 6:24).
So while we work diligently within the expectations of our particular vocations,
we should not enslave ourselves to our work
and become overly concerned with pursuing a higher status.
Do not become slaves to material rewards but focus on the spiritual
—laying up treasures in heaven
(Mt 6:19–20, 25–34).
我們為了維持日常需要生計而勞碌
(創 3：19；帖後 3：10-12)，
而非為了累積財富和提升社會地位。
我們辛勤工作，是因為神給我們的旨意，
要以誠實順服來服事世上的主人，如同事奉主一樣
(西 3：22-23；彼前 2：18-20)。
24你們不能又事奉神，又事奉瑪門（瑪門：財利的意思）
(太 6：24)。
因此，雖然我們抱著各自職業的期望勤奮工作，，
但我們不應成為工作的奴隸，
也不應過度在意追求更高的地位。
不要成為物質獎勵的奴隸，而要專注於屬靈的事
—積攢財寶在天上
(太 6：19-20，25-34)。
Paul exemplifies the ideal perspective:
to be content regardless of our status
(Phil 4:11–12).
He was not discontented in times of need or smug in abundance.
He could accept any state God wanted him to be in,
whether rich or poor.
Can we do the same?
保羅體現了理想的觀點：
無論我們的身份如何，都要知足。
(腓 4：11-12)
他沒有貧困時不知足，也沒有富足時自以為是。
他能接受神要他所處的任何狀態，
無論貧富。
我們可以同樣做到嗎？
CONCLUSION 結論
But this I say, brethren, the time is short,
so that from now on even those who have wives
should be as though they had none,
those who weep as though they did not weep,
those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice,
those who buy as though they did not possess,
and those who use this world as not misusing it.
For the form of this world is passing away.
(1 Cor 7:29–31)
29弟兄們，我對你們說，時候減少了。
從此以後，那有妻子的，
要像沒有妻子；
30哀哭的，要像不哀哭；
快樂的，要像不快樂；
置買的，要像無有所得；
31用世物的，要像不用世物，
因為這世界的樣子將要過去了。
(林前 7：29-31)
We should not weep
if there are things in this world that we do not possess
nor overly rejoice if we do possess them.
Since the form of the world is passing away,
whatever state we are in is only temporary.
So, what is there to weep or rejoice over?
我們不應該哭泣，
若世上有某些東西我們沒法擁有，
也不應該欣喜若我們擁有他們。
既然世界的形式正在消逝，
無論我們所處的任何狀態都只是暫時的。
那麼，到底有什麼事物是值得哭泣或高興呢？
If one owned the world for five minutes, would he rejoice?
If one lost all his worldly possessions for five minutes, would he grieve?
Whether it is five minutes or five decades,
our current state is only temporary; it will pass one day.
Therefore, we should not cling to the things of this world
as though they mean everything to us.
Instead, let us remain in the same state in which we were called
—to be content with whatever situation God has placed us in.
如果一個人擁有全世界五分鐘，他會高興嗎？
如果一個人失去他們所有世俗的財產五分鐘，他會悲傷嗎？
無論是五分鐘還是五十年，
我們現在的狀態只是暫時的；總有一天會過去。
因此，我們不該執著於世上的事物，
就彷彿它們就是我們的一切。
相反的，讓我們保持自已原來蒙召時相同的身份，
—無論神將我們安置於何種境地，我們都可以知足。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
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Manna 嗎哪 56 (1)