如果聖經不可或缺就像手機一樣？
By Robert J. Tamasy
沒有手機活不下去嗎？但是看看幾十年前，沒有手機的年代，我們還是照樣能生活。如果要打緊急的電話，我們會找公共電話。如果去旅行了，到了沒有電信服務的地方，有人想找我們，那他就只能放棄了。
今天出門沒帶手機就好像是忘了必需品一樣，會覺得渾身不自在。我有一個朋友在八零年代，賣所謂的黑金剛手機，那時候的機器體積很大，但是照樣熱銷。更別說是今天的手機已經小到可以放到口袋中了。
拜先進的科技所賜，手機已經變成我們生活中不可或缺的一部分。商場上沒有手機的生意人就像汽車沒有輪胎一樣，無法好好地發揮所長。但是，如果想要把信心融入職場，就需要把聖經當作隨時的幫助和資源。
不久之前，有人給我看了一篇無名氏所寫的短文，內容是關於如果我們把聖經當成我們的手機，情況會如何呢？想一想下面的問題：
如果我們在自己的口袋放聖經？ 如果我們每天翻開聖經好幾次？ 如果我們忘記帶聖經，會趕快回家或是回辦公室拿？ 如果我們從經文內收簡訊？ 如果我們沒有聖經就無法生活？ 如果我們把聖經當成禮物送給家人？ 如果我們旅行時也依靠它？ 如果我們在緊急的時候使用它？
聖經不是一本宗教書籍，它是我們每天生活和工作的指引。神把聖經送給我們，是我們每天所遇到的機會、決定和挑戰的引導。
聖經是智慧的來源 。聖經裡面有許多關於成功和領導力的重要教導，但都比不上智慧來的重要。「要使人曉得智慧和訓誨， 分辨通達的言語，使人處事領受智慧、 仁義、公平、正直的訓誨」 (箴言 1章2-3節).
聖經是引導 。無論做甚麼、如何做或是為甚麼而做？聖經都會給我們答案。「聖經都是上帝所默示的( – 或譯：凡上帝所默示的聖經)，於教訓、督責、使人歸正、教導人學義都是有益的，叫屬上帝的人得以完全，預備行各樣的善事。」(提摩太後書3章16-17節)
聖經是成功的來源 。我們都在找通往成功的道路。聖經保證：「這律法書不可離開你的口，總要晝夜思想，好使你謹守遵行這書上所寫的一切話。如此，你的道路就可以亨通，凡事順利。」(約書亞記1章8節)
勞勃．泰默西是領袖資產協會的傳播部副部長，這是一個總部在美國喬治亞州亞特蘭大的非營利組織。
省思／討論題目
從1~10分，評分一下你有多依賴你的手機？如果沒有手機的話，你覺得自己的工作會是怎樣的狀況？ 你是否曾經把手機留在家裡或辦公室？當時你的感覺如何？ 依賴聖經如同依賴手機，你能想像自己的生活會有多大的改變嗎? 你可以分享一下現在聖經在你工作的時候，扮演甚麼樣的角色嗎？你覺得它在你的日常生活中會越來越重要嗎？分享一下你的理由。
備註: 如果你手上有聖經，想要閱讀更多跟這個主題相關的經文，請參考：詩篇119篇9-11節、105節；以弗所書2章8-10節； 馬太福音4章4節；約翰福音17章17節；希伯來書4章12節
INDISPENSABLE, LIKE A CELLPHONE?
By Robert J. Tamasy
How did we ever survive without cellphones? Have you wondered about that recently? Decades ago, before cellphones became commonplace, it was not a concern. If we had an urgent need to place a call, we would seek out a payphone somewhere – in a store, or even along a roadside. If someone needed to reach us while we were traveling in a car, or somewhere without phone service, they were just out of luck.
Today, however, leaving home or work without a cellphone sometimes seems as if we forgot to put on an essential item of clothing. We almost feel naked. I have a friend who in the 1980s became a highly successful sales executive for what was then known as Cellular One. In those days users practically needed to be bodybuilders to heft the briefcase-sized communications devices, but he sold them just the same. Now they easily fit into a pocket or purse.
Cellphones, thanks to great advances in technology, have become indispensable for our lives. A successful business or professional person without a cellphone is like a motor vehicle without tires. It does not work very well – and neither do they. But in reality, seeking to integrate our faith into the workplace without having the Bible readily available as a resource is not recommended either.
Some time ago someone gave me a copy of a brief article by that well-known source, “Anonymous,” that asks, “What would happen if we treated our Bible as we treat our cellphones?” Consider:
What if we carried our Bible around in our purse or pockets? What if we flipped through it several times a day? What if we turned back to get it if we forgot it at work, or at home? What if we used it to receive messages from the text? What if we treated it as if we could not live without it? What if we gave it to family members as gifts? What if we relied on it whenever we traveled? What if we used in case of emergency?
The Bible is not a religious book; it is a manual for everyday life and work. God has given it to guide us through opportunities, decisions and challenges of every day. Here are some examples of its value:
A source of wisdom. Among the Bible”s many values needed for success and leadership skill, none is more important than wisdom: “for attaining wisdom and discipline, for understanding words and insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair” (Proverbs 1:2-3).
A source of guidance. Asking what to do, how to do it, and why, the Bible gives answers: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man (and woman) of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
A source for success. We all seek a clear path to success. The Bible promises to provide that: “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8).
© 2016. Robert J. Tamasy is vice president of communications for Leaders Legacy, Inc., a non-profit based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. Bob has written Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today”s Workplace; Tufting Legacies; and coauthored with David A. Stoddard, The Heart of Mentoring. His biweekly blog is: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your reliance on your cellphone? How different would it be if for whatever reason you had to work without a cellphone readily available? Have you ever forgotten your cellphone at home, or at work? How did that make you feel? Can you imagine applying the same principles about dependence on cellphone communication to becoming dependent on the Bible? Explain your answer. If you were to describe the role, if any, of the Bible in how you approach a typical workday, what would that be? Do you think it could become more important in your day-to-day activities and decisions? Why or why not?
NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more about this subject, consider the following passages: Psalm 119:9-11,105; Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 4:4; John 17:17; Hebrews 4:12
