8. Manna issue 97 - Navigating a Life of Faith 探索信仰人生
Beatrice Kang—London, UK 英國倫敦
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I share my journey of faith.
奉主耶穌基督聖名見證我自已的信仰之旅，
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments,
For this is man's all.
(Eccl 12:13)
13這些事都已聽見了，總意就是：
敬畏神，謹守他的誡命，
這是人所當盡的本分（或譯：這是眾人的本分）。
(傳 12：13)
This verse concludes the Book of Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon.
Despite being born into the church,
I have struggled to consistently practice this simple principle in my youth,
and it is something I am still striving to do.
Walking according to God's commandments is challenging in today's increasingly secular world.
But in my faith journey,
God has revealed my spiritual complacency, double mindedness, and pride.
I have learned that only by relying on Him
can we overcome the temptations and lusts of the world.
這節經文總結了所羅門王書寫的傳道書。
儘管出生於教會，
但我年輕時，卻曾很努力要一直遵行這條簡單的原則，
直至今日那仍是我一直努力去作的事。
在現今日益世俗的世界中，要照著神的誡命行事一直都很難。
但在我的信仰旅程中，
神曾顯明了我屬靈的自滿，三心二意和驕傲。
我明白了，只有依靠祂，
我們才能戰勝世俗的引誘和慾望。
THE DANGERS OF SPIRITUAL COMPLACENCY: PEER PRESSURE AND DOUBLE-MINDEDNESS
屬靈自滿的危險：同儕攀比壓力與三心二意
When I was eight, my family immigrated to the Swedish capital, Stockholm,
a city without a local True Jesus Church (TJC)
—a decision that was not made lightly
because of the potential impact on our faith.
While this country has a five-hundred-year history of Protestantism, today,
it is one of the most secular countries in the world.[1]
My faith was constantly challenged, both subtly and overtly, in this secular environment,
and I often fell into spiritual complacency.
However, through the grace of God,
He has reminded me at various times in my late teens and early twenties
to draw back to Him and strengthen my faith.
當我八歲時，全家移民到瑞典首都斯德哥爾摩，
是一座沒有真正的耶穌教會 TJC 城市。
—那並非是一個輕率的決定，
因為有可能會衝擊我們的信仰。
真到今日，雖然這個國家已有五百年新教的歷史，
它是世上最世俗化的國家之一。 [1]
在此世俗環境中，我的信仰一直或明或暗受兩方的挑戰，
我常常落入屬靈自滿。
然而，因著神的恩典，
在我十多歲到二十出初時，祂多次提醒我，
要回到祂身邊，加強我的信仰。
As I grew up, it became clear to me
that Christianity was not viewed positively in the society I lived in
—instead, it was deemed backward and unprogressive.
For example, the following are memorable conversations
I have had with several classmates during my early teens:
隨著我長大，我逐漸意識到，
基督教在我生活的社會裡並不被正面看待
—相反的，它被認為是落後和沒有進步的。
例如，以下是我記憶的對話，
在青少年初我與幾位同學談過的：
"Oh, you're a Christian?
My dad says that Christianity is just a cult.
He says it is some form of effective brainwashing:
the opium of the masses."
“哦，你是基督徒？
我爸說基督教就是一種邪教。
他說基督教是一種有效的洗腦：
是大眾的鴉片。 ”
"Religion breeds all sorts of irrationality.
It just makes no sense."
“宗教孕育了各種的不理性。
它根本毫無意義。”
"How can you support a religion of hate?
How can you deny LGBTQ+ people their right to love freely?"
“你怎麼可以支持一種仇恨的宗教？
你怎麼能夠剝奪 LGBTQ+ 群體他們自由戀愛的權利呢？”
These conversations caused me to feel ashamed of my core identity as a child of Christ.
After an incident in middle school,
where my teacher and classmates laughed at me
for questioning Darwin's theory of evolution,
and a public fallout with my best friend for my being a "bigot"
and declining to attend the annual Pride parade,
I became afraid to draw attention to myself by speaking out.
For the rest of my teenage years in Stockholm,
I kept quiet out of fear but also spiritual complacency.
I convinced myself it was best to avoid a faux pas,
and in any event, society is beyond reasoning on such issues.
I proudly believed that, despite my silence,
I was strong enough not to compromise my Christian values personally.
However, my silence slowly led to my becoming double-minded.
I was like a spiritual fence-sitter
vacillating between conflicting identities,
indifferent to concepts and ideologies that went against the truth of the Bible.
Thus, I separated my "school self" and "home self" into two different persons.
這些對話讓我對於自己身為基督子女的核心身分感到羞愧。
自國中時發生一件事之後，
那時我的老師和同學嘲笑我，
因為我質疑達爾文的進化論，
也因為我成為“偏執的人”而與自已最好的朋友當眾反目，
並拒絕去參加年度的驕傲遊行，
我變得害怕公開表態讓自已吸引注意力。
而我在斯德哥爾摩剩下的青少年時期，
我出於恐懼，也是有屬靈自滿而保持沉默。
我說服自己要避免失禮才是最好的，
無論如何，社會是無法理解這種問題的。
我很自豪的相信，儘管自已保持沉默，
但我夠堅強，不會妥協自已個人的基督教價值觀。
然而，我的沉默慢慢的讓我變得三心二意。
我就像一個屬靈的投機者，
在各種衝突的認同之間搖擺不定，
冷淡應對那些違背聖經真理的觀念和意識形態。
因此，我分裂為“學校自我”和“家裡自我”兩種不同的人格。
My attitude did not improve
after moving away from home to a different country for university,
even though I was now able to travel to attend church every Sabbath.
During my first year,
I continued trying to fit in
by conveniently omitting that I was unavailable on the Sabbath,
simply mentioning to my friends
that I had "commitments" on Saturdays without further explanation.
Soon, I did not even say I was Christian in conversation.
In addition, I socialized in friendship groups
that had individuals who confused my values further,
for example, those who practiced polyamory or "relationship anarchy,"
who were staunch supporters of the LGBTQ+ movement,
and who had drinking or partying habits.
While I did not take part in their activities,
I did not equip or strengthen myself through spiritual cultivation during the week,
doing only the bare minimum on the Sabbath.
I naively reasoned that I was not encouraging or approving of these activities
and that these friendships were simply a necessity of living in society
—I could not actively avoid these individuals in a university setting.
Thus, I was proudly wise in my own eyes and foolishly did not depart from evil
(Prov 3:7).
我的態度並沒有改進，
在離家去到另一國上大學之後，
即使現在我可以每個安息日都會前往教會。
在我第一年時期，
我繼續努力融入，
我常有意的省略自己的安息日沒空，
只跟朋友說，
我在星期六有“安排”，而不進一步解釋。
不久，我聯天中甚至都不表明自己是基督徒了。
此外，我混入的幾個朋友群體，
有些人的價值觀會讓我更迷惑，
比如，那些奉行多角戀，或“自由式伴侶關係”的人，
他們都是堅定支持 LGBTQ+ 運動的人，
而他們都有喝酒或派對狂歡習慣的人。
雖然我沒有參與他們的活動，
但每周我也沒有利用靈修來裝備或堅固自己，
在安息日只做最少限度的事。
我天真的認為自己既不鼓勵也不認同這些活動，
而這些友誼只是社會生活所需要的，
—在大學的環境中，我不能主動避開這些人。
因此，在已眼中自以為聰明，卻愚蠢的沒有遠離惡事。
(箴 3：7)
Despite my shortcomings and undeserving mindset,
God reminded me during a prayer later in my first year of university of
when I received the Holy Spirit.
I was thirteen at the time and saw a vision:
Christ nailed to the cross, all bloodied and bare.
I had suppressed my memory of this vision
and had not earnestly asked for the infilling of the Holy Spirit consistently since then.
This, coupled with my inability to stand firm in my values,
made me fall into a spiritual slumber;
I had failed to be sober and watchful
(1 Thess 5:6).
The memory of this vision shook me to the core
and prompted me to reassess my heritage as a child of God.
I was determined to live worthy of His calling.
To pick up my cross and follow Him,
I needed to stop being unstable in my ways and draw near to God
(Jas 1:8, 4:8).
儘管我有很多軟弱和不配的想法，
但在大學一年級後期的一次禱告中，
神提醒了我領受聖靈的情景。
那時我十三歲，看見一個異象：
基督釘在十字架，全身流血赤裸。
我一直壓抑著自已這個異象的記憶，
從那時起，我就沒有持續逼切祈求聖靈的充滿。
這種情況，再加上我不能堅守自已價值觀，
這讓我陷入了屬靈沉睡；
我就不能保持清醒和警醒
(帖前 5：6)。
這個異象的記憶深深震撼我，
促使我重新檢視自己作為神兒女的傳承。
我決心要活出配得上祂呼召的生活。
要背起自已的十字架跟隨祂，
我需要停止搖擺不定，去親近神
(雅 1：8，4：8)。
While I am grateful that God granted me the Holy Spirit in my youth,
upon reflection, I shamefully failed to cherish God's precious Helper throughout my teenage years,
and my foolish willfulness prevented me from fully submitting to the Holy Spirit.
God's gentle and timely reminder that day prevented me from straying further from the truth.
In hindsight, growing up in a secular environment
and moving away from home during university were trials
that helped me develop spiritual resilience
and overcome indirect persecution by learning to stand firm in my identity as a child of Christ.
I gradually cut contact with bad company,
which was initially daunting and lonely.
However, I eventually formed friendships with people with similar values.
Some were Christians from other denominations
with whom I could share biblical encouragements and discuss doctrines.
I even invited them to Sabbath services
—a milestone I never thought I would achieve.
From then onwards, I no longer shied away from explaining to others
why I must attend Sabbath services on Saturdays
and was moved to spend more time in church after services.
This shift in perspective brought me greater peace within my heart
as I was no longer constantly warring against myself.
As Jesus reminds us, we cannot serve two masters,
for we will "hate the one and love the other"
and "be loyal to the one and despise the other"
(Mt 6:24).
雖然我很感恩，神在我年輕時賜給我聖靈，
但反省之後，我感到羞愧，在我整個青少年時期都沒有珍惜神寶貴的幫助者，
而我愚昧任性使我無法完全順服聖靈。
那日，上神溫柔而及時的提醒，使我沒有更進一步偏離真理。
回想起來，在世俗環境長大，
而大學期間搬離家都是試驗，
幫我培養了屬靈的韌性，
並透過學習堅定自已是基督之子的身份，克服了間接的逼迫。
我逐漸斷絕了不良同伴的聯繫，
這最初讓我感到害怕和孤獨。
然而，我最終與有相似價值觀的人建立友誼。
其中有一些是來自其他教派的基督徒，
我可以與他們分享聖經的勸勉及討論教義。
我甚至邀請他們參加安息日的聚會，
—這是我從未想過會達到的里程碑。
從那時起，我不再羞於向別人解釋，
為什麼我必須在星期六參加安息日聚會，
也開始在聚會後花更多時間在教會。
這種觀念的轉變讓我內心更平靜，
因為我不再一直與自己交戰。
正如耶穌提醒我們的那樣，
我們不能服事兩個主，
因為我們會“恨這個，愛那個”，
並“忠於這個，輕視那個”
(太 6：24)。
The spiritual teachings I learned from this period
are reinforced by the story of Noah,
which inspires me to stand firm in my faith.
Through godly fear, Noah chose to condemn the world
and singularly follow God's commands.
Despite the social and cultural situation at the time,
Noah humbled himself to obey God's instruction to build an ark
when there were no signs of incoming rainfall or flooding
(Gen 6:22; Heb 11:7).
Noah knew to trust the word of God wholeheartedly.
Thus, due to his perseverance and obedience,
Noah saved himself and his family, physically and spiritually
(1 Pet 3:20).
In these end times, we must continue steadfastly
and set our sights towards the kingdom of God
(Mt 6:33).
We must stand firm in the word of God, and patiently wait for Him
(Jas 5:7–8).
我從這段時期學到的屬靈教訓，
都自挪亞的故事而加強，
感動我堅定持守自已的信仰。
因為敬畏神，挪亞選擇譴責世人，
並專心遵行神的誡命。
儘管當時的社會和文化環境，
挪亞謙卑自己，遵從神的指示建造方舟，
那時並沒有將到的大雨或洪水的跡象
(創 6：22；來 11：7)。
挪亞知道要全心全意相信神的話語。
因此，由於他的堅持和順服，
挪亞在肉體和屬靈上拯救了自己和家人
(彼前 3：20)。
在此末世，我們必須堅定不移繼續前行，
並將自已的目光放在神的國
(太 6：33)。
我們必須堅守神的話語，耐心等候祂
(雅各書 5：7-8)。
CULTIVATING SPIRITUAL MATURITY: REPLACING PRIDE WITH HUMILITY
培養靈性成熟：以謙卑取代驕傲
Although I had made positive changes,
as I entered my final year of university,
my focus shifted to worldly goals,
and I again slipped into spiritual complacency.
Prioritizing extracurricular pursuits,
my focus on God took a backseat.
As my successes increased, my heart swelled with pride.
雖然我做出了正向的改變，
但開始了大學最後一年，
自已的注意力卻轉移到世俗的目標，
我又陷入了屬靈的自滿。
我優先選擇課外活動，
而對神的注意力則擱置一旁。
隨著我成就增加，自已的內心因自豪而膨脹。
Before attending university, I promised God that,
should I be accepted into a particular university,
I would willingly journey to the nearest church to attend the Sabbath service every week.
However, the journey to the nearest church would take four to five hours by bus
—the most affordable form of travel on my student's budget.
Alongside a growing sense of social exclusion, my increasing workload,
and the mounting pressure of university life, juggling my daily schedule
and attending Sabbath service became more challenging.
I began to dread journeying out of campus every week,
and the commute felt more burdensome.
My time spent in church during the Sabbath grew shorter and shorter,
and I forgot my initial promise to God.
In hindsight, I had become self-entitled and prideful.
I thought I was sacrificing "my time,"
forgetting that the Lord can easily take what He has given
(Job 1:21).
Most appallingly,
I was unwittingly murmuring against God while failing to fulfill my promise to Him.
Indeed, "Better not to vow than to vow and not pay"
(Eccl 5:5–7).
上大學之前，我曾向神承諾，
若我能夠為某所大學錄取，
我將願意每週前往最近教會參加安息日聚會。
然而，到最近教會的路程搭公車要花四至五個小時
—那是對我這學生的預算來說，最經濟的通勤方式。
隨著我日益增長的社會疏離，逐漸加重的工作量，
以及不斷累積的大學生活壓力，
參加安息日聚會變得越來越困難，
平衡我的日常安排和。
我開始害怕每週離開校園旅行，
通勤也讓我感到更沉重。
在安息日我去教會的時間越來越短，
我忘記了最初自已對神的承諾。
現在回想起來，我變得自以為是，驕傲自大。
我認為自已是在犧牲“自已的時間”，
忘了主可以輕易取回祂曾賞賜的一切
(伯 1：21)。
最令人震驚的是，
我竟然不知不覺中埋怨神，卻沒有完成自已對神的承諾。
是的，“5你許願不還，不如不許。”
(傳 5：5-7)。
Thankfully, God reminded me of my folly and insolence
by repeatedly delaying my buses, trains, and local traffic,
causing me to miss most of the Sabbath service each week.
These delays were often caused by extraordinary events outside my control,
such as a bus tire bursting en route
or a disorderly passenger situation requiring police intervention.
In addition, during this period,
I performed below average academically and felt overwhelmed by the syllabus
despite allocating more time to study and less time to God during the Sabbath.
The coincidence of these unusual delays over several weeks
and my declining academic performance caused me to reflect on my attitude.
God had barred me from attending service properly
because my attitude toward Him made me unworthy of His attention.
Like Cain, I presented God with second-class fruits of the soil
(Gen 4:2–5)
while failing to guard my heart against pride and self-entitlement
(Prov 4:23),
resulting in a poor attitude towards God.
Despite my mistakes, God reminded me gently.
I felt ashamed in light of God's mercy.
Therefore, this chapter of my university experience taught me
that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall"
(Prov 16:18; see also Prov 18:12).
My inability to prioritize keeping the Sabbath in true fear of the Lord
would have led to my spiritual downfall.
很感謝的是，神提醒我自己的愚昧和傲慢，
藉由重覆延誤公車，遇到當地塞車，
使我每週錯過大部分的安息日聚會。
這些延遲通常由一些我無法控制的突發事件造成的，
例如，公車在途中爆胎，
或者遇到乘客鬧事，需要警方介入。
此外，在此時期，
我的學習成績表現低於平均水平，感覺被課程壓得喘不過氣來，
儘管在安息日分配了更多時間學習，更少時間給神。
在接連幾個星期，這些異常延誤巧合的發生，
以及我不斷下滑的學業成績，讓我開始反省自己的態度。
神阻止我去好好參加聚會，
是因為我對祂的態度使我不配得到祂的注意。
像該隱一樣，我向神獻上了次等的土產
(創 4：2-5)，
卻不能保守自已內心抵擋驕傲及自以為是
(箴 4：23)，
導致我對神的態度很差。
雖然我有錯，神還是溫柔的提醒我。
因著神的憐憫，我很羞愧。
因此，這段我自已的大學經驗教會了我，
“18驕傲在敗壞以先；狂心在跌倒之前。”
(箴 16：18；另參考，箴 18：12)。
我不能真正敬畏神，來優先遵守安息日，
就會導致我靈性的墮落。
I repented to God and endeavored to attend Sabbath on time,
giving ample time for unforeseen delays.
Rather than mindlessly observing the Sabbath,
I resolved to reflect on my conduct throughout the week
to prepare a reverent heart for the Sabbath.
This shift in attitude made me appreciate the blessing and joy of observing the Sabbath;
seeing God's abidance in His church brought comfort
in the knowledge that He is my refuge and strength in times of trouble
(Ps 46:1–2).
This period in my faith also reminded me
of the importance of prioritizing and keeping God's commandments
—in this case, the holy Sabbath
—wholeheartedly and in godly fear and reverence.
我向神悔改，努力準時參加安息日聚會，
為預留充足的時間給那些不可預見的延誤。
而不是其漫無目的去遵守安息日，
我決心反省自己本週的行為，
給安息日預備一顆敬虔的心。
這種態度的轉變讓我體會到遵守安息日的福氣和喜樂；
在祂的教會看見神的同在，讓我得到安慰，
因而知道祂是我患難中的避難所和力量
(詩 46：1-2)。
自已信仰的這段時期也提醒我，
優先順序及遵守神的誡命的重要性，
—在此案例指的是聖安息日
—要全心全意，心懷敬畏神和尊崇。
GOD'S CONTINUAL REMINDERS: TRUST GOD'S WILL
神一直提醒：信靠神的旨意
Later, I again experienced God's gentle reminders regarding my pride.
During the global pandemic,
I faced the considerable pressure of final examinations
and the uncertainty of finding employment,
especially after rounds and rounds of unsuccessful interviews.
後來，我再次體會到神溫柔的提醒，自已很驕傲。
在全球疫情期間，
我面臨著期末考巨大的壓力，
以及找到工作的不確定性，
尤其是在一輪又一輪的沒有成功的面試之後。
After my exams, my family took COVID-19 antibody tests.
I tested positive for the antibodies,
confirming that I had contracted COVID-19 in the months before my exams.
Instead of being grateful that my family did not contract the virus
and that I still passed my exams,
I was too preoccupied with moping over my weaker-than-hoped final results.
I worried this would prevent me from entering the job market.
This showed that pride was still rooted within my heart.
As Elder James reminds us:
考試結束後，我家人做了新冠肺炎抗體檢測。
我的抗體檢測呈陽性，
證實我在考試前幾個月感染了新冠肺炎。
我反而沒有感恩，自已的家人並沒有感染病毒，
而且我仍然通過了考試，
而是一心想著憂悶自已不及預期的最終成績。
我擔心這會阻礙我進入就業市場。
這顯示了驕傲仍然根植於自已內心。
正如雅各長老提醒我們：
[Y]ou do not know what will happen tomorrow.
For what is your life?
It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
Instead you ought to say,
"If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that."
(Jas 4:14–15; compare Acts 18:21)
14其實明天如何，你們還不知道。
你們的生命是甚麼呢？
你們原來是一片雲霧，出現少時就不見了。
15你們只當說：
“主若願意，我們就可以活著，也可以做這事，或做那事。”
(雅 4：14-15；比較徒 18：21)
From this event, I have learned
that although I may have specific plans and goals in my heart,
God's plans and counsel will always triumph for the betterment of those who serve Him
(Prov 19:21).
Instead of worrying about tomorrow
(Mt 6:25),
I should have entrusted my worries to God
and humbled myself in obedience and thanksgiving
(Phil 4:6–7).
Deep self-examination revealed
I relied on my strength and will instead of God's will.
Through His mercy,
God humbled me by reminding me
that although I may not know what tomorrow holds,
I should know who holds my hand.
Only after I swallowed my pride did God unexpectedly grant me a job.
從這件事，我明白了，
雖然我內心可能有特定的計劃和目標，
但上帝的計畫和謀略終將得勝，使事奉祂的人得益處。
(箴 19：21)。
與其為明天憂慮，
(太 6：25)，
我應該將自已的憂慮交託給神，
並在順服和感恩中謙卑自己。
(腓 4：6-7)。
深刻的自我反省顯露出，
我依靠自己的力量和意志，而不是神的旨意。
因著祂的憐憫，
神使我謙卑下來，提醒我，
儘管我可能不知道明天會發生什麼事，
但我應該知道是誰牽著我的手。
直到我放下驕傲之後，神才出乎意料的賜給我一份工作。
In hindsight, my year-long job search was a blessing.
I was able to spend time with my family
—drawing closer to God together and building our family altar during the pandemic
—after several years of studying abroad and living alone.
This extra year allowed me to grow in spiritual maturity
through encouragement from my family and spending more time to reflect on my faith earnestly.
回想起來，我一年之久的求職歷程真是一種的祝福。
我可以有時間與家人共度時光，
—大家一起親近神，並在疫情期間建立家庭祭壇
一在經歷多年的海外留學和獨自生活之後。
這額外的一年讓我靈性更成熟，
透過家人的鼓勵，並且用更多時間認真反省自已的信仰。
The job God had granted me was also a blessing.
Although it was in a different country,
I could move after the lockdown had lifted
and was close to a large and established local church.
This has been an opportunity for me to draw closer to God spiritually,
draw nearer to the community of faith,
and learn to serve in the household of God humbly.
Although I am away from my family,
God has steered me towards my family in Christ.
While I am still riddled with imperfections
and still learning to rely more on Christ and less on my strength,
I have never been lacking each time I do so.
Christ has always paved and smoothened my path towards Him.
For example, I once worked in a department that often required weekend work.
By the grace of God, by keeping firm in my beliefs,
we always found a workaround that allowed me to observe the Sabbath.
God blessed me with helpful colleagues and understanding superiors,
which was not a common experience for everyone in the organization.
神賜給我的工作也是一種祝福。
雖然其位處異國，
但封封解除後，我可以搬過去，
而且很靠近一家規大型根基穩固的當地教會。
對我而言，這是一個靈性更親近神的機會，
更接近信仰的團契，
並學習謙卑在神的家服事。
雖然我遠離家人，
但神引導我走向自已的基督家庭。
雖然我仍充滿著不完美，
且仍在學習更依靠基督，而不是依靠自己的力量，
但每次我這樣做，
我一直從未感到缺乏每次自已這樣行。
基督總是為我開路，使我順利朝向祂前進。
例如，我曾經在一個週末經常需要加班的部門工作。
感謝神的恩典，藉著堅定自已的信仰，
我們總能找到替代辦法，讓我可以去守安息日。
神賜福給我有樂於助人的同事和通情達理的上司，
而這對組織的個人，並不是常見體驗。
Upon reflection, I am comforted by Jesus' reminder:
經過反省，耶穌的提醒讓我感到安慰：
"Look at the birds of the air,
for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns;
yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not of more value than they?
Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?"
(Mt 6:26–27)
“6你們看那天上的飛鳥，
也不種，也不收，也不積蓄在倉裡，
你們的天父尚且養活他。
你們不比飛鳥貴重得多麼？
27你們那一個能用思慮使壽數多加一刻呢
(或作：使身量多加一肘呢)？ ”
(太 6：26-27)
Therefore, although our lives may not progress precisely as planned,
we should trust in God's will in godly fear and obedience
and continue to keep His commandments even when the alternative seems easier.
因此，雖然我們的生活可能不照計劃精準的進行，
我們仍應懷著敬畏順服的心，信靠神的旨意，
並繼續遵守祂的誡命，即使其他選擇似乎更容易。
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS AND ENCOURAGEMENTS
總結與鼓勵
The story of Namaan's healing from leprosy provides us with spiritual encouragement
(2 Kgs 5).
As a renowned general of a conquering state,
Naaman had to humble himself four times during his journey
by accepting the advice of a foreign slave girl;
traveling from the palace to see the prophet Elijah,
only to be met by Elijah's messenger with curt instructions;
acting on the advice of his servants to travel to the River Jordan,
which he saw as inferior to rivers in his homeland,
after an already long and challenging trip
(2 Kgs 5:9–13);
and bathing himself seven times in the Jordan,
as a leper in full view of the public.
乃縵治癒痲瘋病的故事給我們屬靈的勸勉
(王下 5 章)。
作為征服國家有名的將軍，
乃縵在旅途中必須四次謙卑自己：
接受一位外邦女奴的建議；
從王宮出發去見先知以利亞，
卻只遇到以利亞的使者及其簡短無禮的指示；
聽從他僕人的建議行動，前往約旦河，
這條河他認為比不上自已家鄉的河流
(王下 5：9-13)；
在已經歷了漫長而艱辛的旅程之後，
自已在約旦河沐浴七次，
在眾目睽睽之下以痲瘋病人的身份進行。
We must be willing to humble ourselves
and lean not on our understanding when determining our paths
(Prov 3:5–6).
Like Naaman, out of pride,
I had lashed out in anger when my plans had not gone exactly as planned
—my disrupted journeys from campus to church,
my disappointing university grades,
and my delayed entry into employment.
Instead of being grateful for God's timing and providence
or asking myself what spiritual lessons I could learn
in the event of unforeseen circumstances or perceived failures,
I murmured when the journey took a long, unexpected turn.
I have learned to accept
that the "race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong"
(Eccl 9:11)
and God has His time for everything
(Eccl 3:1).
As the story of Naaman reminds us,
only through fully humbling ourselves to accept God's will
can we truly experience His grace
and save ourselves from the follies of our pride.
我們必須願意謙卑自己，
決定自已的道路時，不要倚靠自己的聰明
(箴 3：5-6)。
就像乃縵一樣，出於驕傲，
當自已的計劃並沒有完全照計劃進行時，我就會勃然大怒
—從校園到教會的旅途被打亂了，
我的大學成績不理想，
以及自已遲遲沒有找到工作。
反而沒有感謝神的安排和預備，
或反求諸已到底自已有什麼屬靈的課程可以學習，
在遇到不可預知情況或明顯失敗的事件時，
在旅程出現漫長且意想不到的轉折時，我就抱怨不已。
我已經學會接受，
“11快跑的未必能贏；力戰的未必得勝”
(傳 9：11)，
神安排天下萬務都有定時
(傳 3：1)。
如乃縵的故事提醒我們，
只有完全謙卑自己接受神的旨意，
我們才能真正體驗祂的恩典，
並拯救自己脫離驕傲的愚昧。
We must endeavor to follow God's will and commandments completely,
in godly fear and submission.
There is little room for double-mindedness in our journey of faith.
Naaman would not have been healed if he had only bathed six times that day.
By God's grace and Naaman's complete obedience,
he was healed from leprosy.
Likewise, to overcome our "spiritual leprosy,"
we must completely trust and obey God's will.
We must humbly accept His time, His way, and His method.
我們必須努力完全遵行神的旨意和誡命，
並存著敬畏和順服之心。
在我們的信仰之旅，不容許三心二意。
若那天乃縵只沐浴了六次，他就不會痊癒。
因著神的恩典和乃縵的完全順服，
他的痲瘋病痊癒了。
同樣，要戰勝我們“屬靈的痲瘋病”，
我們必須完全信靠順服神的旨意。
我們必須謙卑接受等候祂的時機、祂的道路和祂的方法。
I thank God for His patience and grace despite all of my shortcomings.
I am determined to continue to put these teachings into practice
and serve Him in a manner worthy of my calling.
I will need to constantly self-examine
and ask God to guide me on my faith journey.
As King Solomon concluded in Ecclesiastes 12:13,
our faith journey need not be overly complicated;
we simply need to fear God and keep His commandments.
儘管我有很多的缺點，我很感謝神的耐心和恩典。
我決心繼續實行這些教導，
並以配得自已蒙召的態度去服事祂。
我會需要一直自我省察，
並求神在我信仰之路帶領我。
正如所羅門王在傳道書 12 章 13 節的結論那樣，
我們的信仰之路無需過於複雜；
我們只需要敬畏神並遵守祂的誡命。
All glory be to God.
Amen!
願一切榮耀歸於神。
阿門！
[1] "Sweden ‘least religious’ nation in Western world,"
The Local Sweden, April 13, 2015,
https://www.thelocal.se/20150413/swedes-least-religious-in-western-world.
[1] “瑞典是西方世界‘最沒信仰’的國家”，
瑞典當地媒體，2015 年 4 月 13 日，
https://www.thelocal.se/20150413/swedes-least-religious-in-western-world
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