Home昔日真理報2013年 真理報文章2013 年 5 月【職場上的祭司】我終于畢業了

【職場上的祭司】我終于畢業了

 

P4-graduate當大家看到這篇文章的時候,我已經完成了我的神學碩士課程,為一場跑了十二年的長跑畫上句號!十二年實在不是一段短的日子,畢竟人生有幾多個十二年,所以到了能夠畢業的一刻,心情真是有點百感交集......,既是興奮,又是感恩,一方面覺得終於能夠放下這個讀書的擔子是很輕鬆,但同時又有點不捨得完結這個學習的旅程,籌算著是否應該開始一些新的課程。

很多人以為讀神學就是為了預備投身全時間傳道人的工作,但其實神學院的課程很豐富和多元化,一方面有預備傳道人的課程,另一方面亦有裝備平信徒的課程,讓平信徒能夠在職場、家庭、教會和社區中更能發揮鹽和光的功能。而我,則非常清楚投身全時間傳道人並不是我讀神學的原因。其實我讀神學的原因很簡單,就是盼望通過這學習過程而更多認識神,認識聖經和認識基督教,從而成為一個更忠心良善的基督徒,事奉者。我想到,若我能夠花上四年時間完成一個大學學位,從而為我的事業做準備,那麼我是否更應該投資時間和資源去進深研讀我生命的信仰呢?就是這樣,我展開了神學的學習!

坦白說,讀神學的付出也是不少的。第一,神學院的學費頗為昂貴。第二,若是全職工作的話,上課的時間也頗不容易協調。尤其是當網上課程還未如這兩三年普遍之時,請假上堂是唯一的選擇。我還記得其中有兩三科我需要上司特別批準我在工作時間中途去上課,結果每次在課堂上總是要分心處理工作的事宜,沒法專心聽書。而當下了課再重返辦工室之時則總是記挂著功課與考試,實在變得有多少精神分裂!所以我比較喜歡密集課程,可以請一星期假期專心一意地上堂,全情投入學習。可惜並非每一必修科也有密集形式的選擇,而當未能安排上課時間的話,可能又要等一年後才能修讀同一科,所以難免進度比較緩慢。然而,感謝主,近年的網上課程幫我解決了這個「如何上課」的難題,增加了時間安排上靈活性,所以才能一步一步完成這個碩士課程!

除了安排上課時間這一方面的挑戰,其實每一科的挑戰也包括閱讀平均三本共八百多九百頁的教科書,做功課,做專題研究,寫論文,還有考試!而且還要學習一大堆的神學辭彙,理解一大堆的神學觀點,還有還有很多數不完的資料和細節......,要知道我已經不再是十多二十歲時讀書年代的狀態,所以當中也有不少硬著頭皮,咬緊牙關的日子,祈禱過,靠著神,就埋頭苦讀......,唉!當中當然亦有不少埋怨、泄氣、懶惰的日子,心中想著讀不完也就算了!感謝主,祂沒有讓我放棄,祂幫助我走到終點!

那麼,這一切一切的付出值得嗎?既然我沒有作全職傳道的打算,付出這一切一切去讀神學值得嗎?我的回應是值得,非常值得,我鼓勵每一位有經濟能力和學習能力的信徒都報讀神學院的課程,從一個較學術性的角度去認識神,認識聖經,認識基督教。這學習過程是充滿趣味,但亦帶來重要的衝擊,一方面挑戰了我原本對神和對聖經那頗為平面和傾向主觀、情感化的理解,同時又讓我能夠突破那一個我為神設定的框框,讓我領悟到神是一個怎樣的神並不是限制在我對祂的解讀。神的真實、慈愛及偉大並不是取決於人的觀感。相反,神的真實,慈愛及偉大是遠遠超過任何人的理解,正因如此,我們可以全心相信神,就算當外在的環境令我們懷疑的時候,我們依然可以全心倚靠,因為神就是神,就是那真實,慈愛及偉大的神,祂的真實、慈愛及偉大是超越所有被造之物的。

另外,我很感謝神學院的老師們,他們也是如此忠心良善,著緊學生的學習,更著緊學生屬靈生命的成長。他們不放過任何一個機會幫助學生將那些看來純綷學術性的資料轉化為靈命塑造的材料,鼓勵我們反思,挑戰我們去揣摩基督信仰裡面那一個又一個的張力,幫助我們在主裡建立信心,從而正面地與那些解不開的信仰張力共存。

有些弟兄姊妹問我神學畢業後有什麼計劃,而我實在沒有什麼特別的計劃,就是盼望能夠繼續事奉,繼續追求,繼續成長,並期待著下一個挑戰的來臨:「弟兄們,我不是以為自己已經得著了,我只有一件事,就是忘記背後,努力面前的,向著標竿直跑,要得神在基督耶穌裡從上面召我來得的獎賞。」

 

      聖經金句 (Bible Verses)

喜樂 Joy

喜樂的心乃是良藥;憂傷的靈使骨枯乾。箴言 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

然而,我要因耶和華歡欣,因救我的 神喜樂。哈巴谷書 3:18
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18

要常常喜樂,不住的禱告,凡事謝恩。帖撒羅尼迦前書 5:16-17
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

饒恕 Forgiveness

主啊,你本為良善,樂意饒恕人,有豐盛的慈愛賜給凡求告你的人。詩篇 86:5
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5

你不要說:“我要以惡報惡”;要等候耶和華,他必拯救你。箴言 20:22
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. Proverbs 6:14

你們饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必饒恕你們的過犯;馬太福音 6:14
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

你們不饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必不饒恕你們的過犯。馬太福音 6:15
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15

你們各人若不從心裡饒恕你的弟兄,我天父也要這樣待你們了。馬太福音 18:35
This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart. Matthew 18:35

謙卑 Humility

敬畏耶和華是智慧的訓誨;尊榮以前,必有謙卑。箴言 15:33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33

敬畏耶和華心存謙卑,就得富有、尊榮、生命為賞賜。箴言 22:4
Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

凡事不可結黨,不可貪圖虛浮的榮耀;只要存心謙卑,各人看別人比自己強。腓立比書 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

驕傲 Pride

驕傲來,羞恥也來;謙遜人卻有智慧。箴言 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

驕傲只啟爭競;聽勸言的,卻有智慧。箴言 13:10
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Proverbs 13:10

驕傲在敗壞以先;狂心在跌倒之前。箴言 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

忍耐 Patience

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

並且你們要為我的名,被眾人恨惡,惟有忍耐到底的,必然得救。馬可福音 13:13
Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13

不但如此,就是在患難中也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance. Romans 5:3

我們行善,不可喪志;若不灰心,到了時候就要收成加拉太書 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

你們也當忍耐,堅固你們的心,因為主來的日子近了。雅各書 5:8
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8

溫柔 Meekness

回答柔和,使怒消退;言語暴戾,觸動怒氣。箴言 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

溫柔的人有福了,因為他們必承受地土。馬太福音 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

用溫柔勸戒那抵擋的人;或者 神給他們悔改的心,可以明白真道。提摩太後書 2:25
Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:25

只要以裡面存著長久溫柔、安靜的心為妝飾;這在 神面前是極寶貴的。彼得前書 3:4
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

嫉妒 Envy

不要為作惡的心懷不平,也不要向那行不義的生出嫉妒。詩篇 37:1
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong. Psalm 37:1

心中安靜是肉體的生命;嫉妒是骨中的朽爛。箴言 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30

在何處有嫉妒、紛爭,就在何處有擾亂和各樣的壞事。雅各書 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16

生氣 Anger

當止住怒氣,離棄忿怒;不要心懷不平,以致作惡。詩篇 37:8
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:8

好生氣的人,不可與他結交;暴怒的人,不可與他來往。箴言 22:24
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered. Proverbs 22:24

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

生氣卻不要犯罪.不可含怒到日落。以弗所書 4:26
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26

我親愛的弟兄們,這是你們所知道的,但你們各人要快快的聽,慢慢的說,慢慢的動怒,因為人的怒氣並不成就 神的義。雅各書 1:19,20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19,20

災難 Calamity

謹守口與舌的、就保守自己免受災難。箴言 21:23
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

民要攻打民、國要攻打國、多處必有地震、饑荒.這都是災難的起頭。馬可福音 13:8
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. Mark 13:8

憂愁 Worry

你們不要憂愁、因靠耶和華而得的喜樂是你們的力量。尼希米記 8:10
Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

主雖使人憂愁, 還要照他諸般的慈愛發憐憫。耶利米哀歌 3:32
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. Lamentations 3:32

凡勞苦擔重擔的人,可以到我這裡來,我就使你們得安息。馬太福音 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

我留下平安給你們、我將我的平安賜給你們.我所賜的、不像世人所賜的.你們心裏不要憂愁、也不要膽怯。約翰福音 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

應當一無掛慮,只要凡事藉著禱告、祈求和感謝,將你們所要的告訴神。神所賜出人意外的平安,必在基督耶穌裡,保守你們的心懷意念。腓立比書 4:6,7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7

因此, 你們是大有喜樂, 但如今, 在百般的試煉中暫時憂愁。彼得前書 1:6
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6

患難 Trouble, Suffering

義人多有苦難,但耶和華救他脫離這一切。詩篇 34:19
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19

神是我們的避難所,是我們的力量,是我們在患難中隨時的幫助!詩篇 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

耶和華本為善,在患難的日子為人的保障,並且認得那些投靠他的人。那鴻書 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7

為義受逼迫的人有福了,因為天國是他們的。馬太福音 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

不但如此,就是在患難中,也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; Romans 5:3

我想現在的苦楚,若比將來要顯於我們的榮耀,就不足介意了。羅馬書 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

因為你們蒙恩,不但得以信服基督,並要為他受苦。腓立比書 1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. Philippians 1:29

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