需要智慧嗎?何不來求告神！
By: Rick Boxx
當我思索著要如何和理事委員會有最好的溝通時，心中很多的想法糾結成一團。我要如何有效地傳達重要的訊息給對方，好讓他們能完全了解我是如何達到這個結論的呢？從我過去的經驗當中，再一次，我知道自己應該轉向神，向神祈求清楚的指示和智慧。
「神阿！求祢向我顯明明天委員會議的議題。」在上床休息之前，我向神禱告，滿心相信明天一早起來會有我需要的領悟，然後我就去睡覺了。說實話，我希望一早醒來，就有一個清楚可依循的計畫出現，然而神卻讓我想起一個過去跟這個主題很有相關的故事，讓我可以跟委員會討論。
在會議當天的早上，我的故事完美地鋪陳了當天的議題。那個故事不僅鏗鏘有力地描繪出我心中所想講的話，更表達了我要陳述的重點。
雖然我心中充滿感激，但是並不特別訝異從神可以得到如此鮮明、有智慧的回答和引導。這樣的經驗在我成為耶穌的跟隨者的旅程中，已經經歷了非常多次，而且再一次 神用回應我的需要來展現祂的信實。在聖經新約的雅各書第一章5節中教導我們說：「你們中間若有缺少智慧的，應當求那厚賜與眾人、也不斥責人的 神，主就必賜給他。」
不幸的是，請求智慧通常是例外而不是規定。我已經發現有時壓力和當天的要求會促使我當下立即反應，而不是停下來禱告祈求 神的引導。對有些人而言，則是完全不會考慮這樣的禱告。
對這樣的人，我會指出聖經上所說關於在職場上我們與神的關係。在新約裡說:「因為我們是與 神同工的；你們是神所耕種的田地，所建造的房屋。」(林前3章9節)聖經上的話對我來說，是簡單但意義深遠，我們與神同工，神就與我們同工，來完成祂對這個世界的目的，包括在商業上和專業的世界。
如果經上所說為真，那麼不求問神和尋求祂的智慧，來幫助我們每天做許多困難和複雜的決定是愚昧的。當我們有需要時，我們會打電話給許多顧問和可諮詢的人，為何在重要的事情上我們不來詢問 神呢? 如經上告訴我們的：「耶和華本為大，該受大讚美；其大無法測度。」(詩篇145篇3節)
神非常渴望在我們所從事的工作上與我們同工，祂承諾會很慷慨地給我們大量的智慧，只要我們求問祂！
本文版權為正直資源中心（Integrity Resource Center, Inc.）所有。本文獲得授權改編自「瑞克．博克思的正直時刻Integrity Moments with Rich Boxx」。這系列的文章是以一個基督徒的觀點評論職場的正直議題。想要更多了解正直資源中心或想要收到電子文件的「瑞克每天的正直時刻Rick”s daily Integrity Moments」系列文章，請上網www.integrityresource.org
思想 / 討論題目
當你需要及時的建議或是諮詢時，你第一個會找誰? 當你面臨困難的決定或是複雜的事情時，你通常會向神尋求智慧和引導嗎?為什麼? 你相信Rick Boxx所說的，神會針對我們的祈求給我們回應嗎?解釋你的答案。 根據聖經所說「我們是與 神同工的」，你對於「神渴望與我們同工」這句話有什麼看法?
註：若你有聖經且想要看有關此主題的其他經文，請看：
詩篇37篇4-5;箴言1章7;16章21-22;耶利米書33章3;以弗所書2章10; 提摩太後書3章16-17
NEED WISDOM? WHY NOT ASK GOD?
By: Rick Boxx
Many thoughts had become jumbled as I sorted out how best to communicate to my board of directors the thoughts and feelings I had in my heart. How could I most effectively convey to them the important information I wanted them to have, in a way that would enable them to fully understand how I had arrived at my conclusions? Drawing from experience, once again I knew that I needed to turn to God for clear direction – and wisdom.
"God, show me Your agenda for tomorrow’s board meeting," I prayed before going to bed that night. Then I went to sleep, trusting that I would have the needed insights when I woke up the next morning. To be honest, I had hoped to awaken with a step-by-step plan; instead, God had brought to my mind a story from my past that was very pertinent to the issues I would be discussing with the board.
During the meeting that morning, my story set the stage perfectly for our agenda. It not only served as a powerful word picture for presenting the “heart” of what I wanted to say, but also demonstrated the key points that I needed to make.
Although I was gratified, I was not particularly surprised at receiving such a vivid answer to my prayer for wisdom and guidance. I had experienced this many times during my journey as a follower of Jesus Christ, and once again God had shown His faithfulness in responding to my need. In the Bible”s New Testament, James 1:5 teaches, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
Unfortunately, such requests for wisdom often are the exception rather than the rule. I have found that sometimes the pressures and demands of the day prompt me to react immediately rather than pausing long enough to pray for God to guide the way. For other people, such a prayer would not even be a consideration. “What does God have to do with business? Why would God be at all concerned with what I do at work – or how I do it?”
To such people, I would point out what the Bible tells about our relationship with God in the workplace. Also in the New Testament it says, “For we are God”s fellow workers; you are God”s field, God”s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9). What that says to me is simple but profound: We work with God, and He works with us, to accomplish His purposes on earth – including the business and professional world.
If that is true, failing to consult with God and ask for His wisdom in making the many difficult and complex decisions we confront each day is foolish. We have various advisors and consultants we can call upon for counsel when needed; why not consult with God as well on important matters? As the Bible tells us, “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom” (Psalm 145:3).
God has a deep desire and yearning to partner with you in your work. He promises to provide generous doses of wisdom. Just ask Him!
Copyright 2010, Integrity Resource Center, Inc. Adapted with permission from "Integrity Moments with Rick Boxx," a commentary on issues of integrity in the workplace from a Christian perspective. To learn more about Integrity Resource Center or to sign up for Rick”s daily Integrity Moments, visit www.integrityresource.org.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
In times when you need immediate advice or counsel, who is the first person you try to contact? When you are facing difficult decisions or complex issues, do you typically ask God for wisdom and direction? Why or why not? Do you believe that, as Rick Boxx explained, God can provide specific answers in response to such requests? Explain your answer. What do you think of the idea that, according to the Bible passage cited, we are “God”s fellow workers” and He desires to be a partner with you in your work?
NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more about this subject, consider the following passages:
Psalm 37: 4-5; Proverbs 1:7, 16:21-22; Jeremiah 33:3; Ephesians 2:10; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
