Home昔日真理報2016年 真理報文章2016 年 12 月【開卷有益】 突破服事倦怠

【開卷有益】 突破服事倦怠

 

book倦怠已經成為現代人的通病,比流行性感冒更加普遍,它隨時隨地侵襲人的情緒。顯著的病徵就是一臉疲憊,無論休息多久,總是無法恢復;工作提不起勁、沒精打彩、持續憂鬱、經常抱怨,甚至容易激動、脾氣暴躁。

知識爆炸的年代也讓人疲於奔命,每天被排山倒海的資訊幾乎淹沒,職業相關的新知看也看不完,不斷要求自我增值與追逐,實在使人疲累不堪!

《突破服事倦怠》(Ministry Burnout)正好是一帖適時的處方,幫助讀者在外在環境與內在的心理壓力之下,突圍而出,重新尋回工作的熱誠,生活再度充滿活力與幹勁。

作者山弗得(John A. Sanford)原為聖公會牧師,牧會十九年後,辭去牧職,正式成為註冊心理諮商師。他深深明白他所牧養的會友,每天生活所承受的壓力,也更加理解教會的服事,對信徒和牧者彷如百上加斤,盡顯困倦、怠慢的疲態。

倦怠不是個新名詞,在韋氏大字典裡,Burnout 這個字是用來形容東西被燒盡、電線短路而引起燃燒,或是森林被燒個精光。Burnout 用在人身上,就表示我們的精力耗盡,無法繼續供應能力,就像燒盡的森林,復甦的能力已經被徹底破壞,難以重復繁榮。

倦怠可能發生於各種職業階層的人身上:醫生、教師、家庭主婦,任何人都可能因為生活中主要的活動而感到倦怠。由於教會事工的性質特殊,更容易讓參與的人生發沮喪、失望和灰心等負面情緒。

作者在書中嘗試分析教會事工之所以特別使人感到倦怠,原因既多而且複雜。工作沒完沒了,永遠不會有完結的一天。除了日常事務之外,總有突發的狀況要面對,有人車禍受傷,需要緊急幫助;有人生病,需要探望;有人失業,需要經濟支援;有人婚姻出現問題,需要即時輔導關懷,各樣突然而來的事件總是穿插於既定的日程之間,工作永無休止地湧來,最後就出現疲憊的窘迫。

工作不單永遠做不完,還得一再重覆,崇拜一場接一場,節慶一個接一個,主日學一季接一季,年復一年,心思耗盡,整個事工看起來就是永無窮盡的循環,難望再有新意。

教會的事工很多時候無法在短期間看見果效,如果一直得不到工作的成就感,就會讓人覺得很挫折,花了心血,卻看不出成果,沒有比這更叫人氣餒的,甚至懷疑自己的勞苦與委身,是否具有永恆的價值。

無論從事何種工作,或多或少都背負著別人的期望,教會的事工尤甚。有人渴望從教會得著關懷,有人希冀進深的屬靈教導,有人力主維持傳統,有人贊成改變更新,要處理得合宜,實在頗費周章。

倘若服事的對象是有需要的人,這種工作特別耗費心力。如果受幫助的人日見好轉,逐步回復正常的生活,自然帶來極大的滿足感。可是大部份的情況並非如此理想,不斷供應別人的需要,情感和精神的付出和透支,日漸虛耗而不自知。

身心疲憊的朋友,何不向耶穌學習一下?在聖經福音書中,我們一再讀過,耶穌在繁忙的工作之後,會獨自退到曠野去,即使還有很多有需要的人追隨著祂,期望聽祂講道,指望祂醫治他們的病,耶穌卻退到曠野或山上去禱告。耶穌率先立下榜樣,這就表示確實有此需要。

退下來並非是休息一天或兩天,或者放下手上的工作渡假去,而是從重複的工作循環中退出一段時間,尋求特別的更新,這樣的更新來自於活動、人群、地理環境的完全改變。

Burnout 這個字與「火」有直接的關係,火就是一種能量,用盡了就會熄滅,必須尋找新的力量來源。精神力量也有用盡的可能,只要尋找到新的力量,就可以再度燃點,燒得更加明亮、更加有創意。

耶穌在極度疲累的時候,總是一個人安靜禱告,與上帝交談,從祂支取源源不絕的能量。在默想與禱告之間,也能調整自己的方向與步伐,認清上帝的心意與召命。趁著安靜的時間,更新思維,讓目標更加清晰,點燃心中的一團火,回到紛擾混亂的世代中,重新出發再上路。

 

      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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