금메달을 위한 경주, 과연 올바른 경주인가?

금메달을 위한 경주, 과연 올바른 경주인가?

RACING FOR THE GOLD – BUT IS IT THE RIGHT RACE?

 

By Sergio Fortes

 

당신도 2021년에 개최된 2020 도쿄 하계 올림픽을 본 전세계 수백만 명의 사람 중 한 명인가? 동계 올림픽과 마찬가지로 전세계에 중계되는 이 행사는 남성과 여성이 자신과 자신의 국가의 명예를 걸고서 이기고 지는 경쟁을 보여준다.

Were you among the millions of people around the world who viewed the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo – held in 2021? Along with the Winter Olympics, this globally televised event exhibits the highs and lows of competition as men and women seek honor for themselves and their respective nations.

 

코로나19 팬데믹의 여파로 올해로 연기된 “2020 하계 올림픽”에 총 204개국 1만 1천명 이상의 선수들이 참가했다. 1년 동안의 중단에도 불구하고 모두는 단 하나의 목표를 가지고 있었다. 즉, 이 선수들은 목표인 금메달 획득에 방해되는 모든 요소들을 피해가며, 힘든 훈련과 혹독한 식이요법을 견뎌냈다. 동메달, 심지어 은메달도 그들의 성에는 차지 않았다.

More than 11,000 athletes from 204 countries competed in the “2020 Summer Games,” delayed until this year because of restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the one-year interruption, all with one goal: These athletes endured exhausting training and rigorous diets, abstaining from any distractions that would keep them from the gold. The bronze medal, or even silver, were not enough.

 

그들의 평가에 따르면, 어떠한 희생도 그만한 가치가 있다는 것이다. 최소 6개의 메달로 올림픽을 마무리할 것이라고 기대했던 어느 우수한 선수는 갑작스런 감정적 위기를 겪게 되었다. 그 선수는 나중에 이렇게 말했다.

“인생에 단지 체조가 전부는 아닙니다. 우리는 단지 운동선수만은 아닙니다. 우리도 인간이고, 때로는 한발짝 뒤로 물러설 필요가 있습니다.” 우리 대부분은 올림픽 ‘황금열’의 부담감을 감히 상상할 수 없을 것이다.

In their assessment, any sacrifice is worth it. One high-performance athlete, whose expectation was to finish the Olympics with at least six medals, suffered a sudden emotional crisis. The athlete would later say, “Life is not just about gymnastics. We are not just athletes. We are people, and sometimes it is necessary to take a step back.” Most of us can hardly imagine the demands of the Olympic “gold rush.”

 

하지만, 우리 중 많은 사람이 다른 삶을 추구하던 중에도 이와 비슷한 일을 겪어봤을 것이다. 일상의 많은 분야에서 뿐만 아니라 경쟁이 치열한 오늘날의 시장 환경에서도 ’금’을 향한 열망은 지속적이며 통제되지 않는다. 이와 같은 현실은 (쥐가 쳇바퀴 돌 듯하는) 바로 ‘치열한 생존경쟁’으로 묘사되기도 합니다.

Many of us, however, have encountered something similar in other life pursuits. In today’s highly competitive marketplace environment, as well as everyday life on its many fronts, the rush for “gold” remains constant and unbridled. A common but harsh expression describes this reality: “the rat race.”

 

젊은 기업가들은 돈을 벌고, 부유해지고, 심지어 가능하다면 백만장자가 되는 일에도 자신을 바친다. 성숙한 경영진과 전문가들도 마찬가지이다. 그들은 작은 것에 만족하지 않는다. 그들은 최대한 빨리 얻고 이룰 수 있는 것을 원한다. 그들은 수많은 스트레스와 압력을 견디면서 가족, 건강, 사회적 관계, 심지어는 여가활동에 이르기까지 다른 모든 것들을 부수적인 것으로 만들어버린다. 오직 금, 그것도 많은 양의 금을 중요하게 생각한다.

Young entrepreneurs dedicate themselves to earning money, becoming wealthy, even millionaires if possible. Mature executives and expert professionals are on the same footing. They don't settle for little. They want the most they can possibly acquire and achieve – and quickly. They endure many kinds of stress and pressures, making everything else secondary: family; health; social relationships, even leisure activities. Only the gold – and a lot of it – counts.

 

우리는 성경에서 매우 다른 관점을 발견하게 되는데, 이는 궁극적으로 잃게 될 것을 얻으려고 노력하는 것의 무의미함을 다루고 있다. 역사상 가장 부유한 사람으로 알려져 있는 고대 이스라엘의 솔로몬 왕은 다음과 같이 말했다.

“그 후에 내가 생각해 본즉 내 손으로 한 모든 일과 내가 수고한 모든 것이 다 헛되어 바람을 잡는 것이며 해 아래에서 무익한 것이로다”(전도서 2:11)

We find a very different perspective in the Bible, addressing the futility of striving to gain what ultimately will be lost. King Solomon of ancient Israel, purported to be the richest man of all time, commented: "When I saw all that my hands had done, and the work I had worked so hard to accomplish, I understood that it was all illusion! It was like running after the wind!" (Ecclesiastes 2:11).

 

예수 그리스도는 기록적인 풍년을 기뻐하는 근면하고 열심인 어느 농업인의 이야기를 들려주시며 다음과 같이 경고하셨다.

“하나님은 이르시되 어리석은 자여 오늘 밤에 네 영혼을 도로 찾으리니 그러면 네 준비한 것이 누구의 것이 되겠느냐 하셨으니”(누가복음 12:20)

Jesus Christ, telling the story of a diligent and eager agribusinessman celebrating a record harvest, gave this warning: "Fool, this night they will requisition your soul, and whose shall these things be that you have prepared?" (Luke 12:20).

 

나는 물질적, 재정적, 사회 경제적인 성공만을 중시하는 풍토에 저항하는 많은 기업인과 전문인들을 보면서 큰 위로를 얻었다. 그들보다 앞선, 소위 ‘베이비붐 세대’를 지켜본 다음 세대들은 성공에 대한 다른 척도를 가지고 있다.

I have been encouraged to see many entrepreneurs and professionals resisting a lifestyle that values only material, financial, and socioeconomic success. Having observed generations that preceded them, especially the so-called "Baby Boomers," the newer generations have other measures for success.

 

예수님이 제자들에게 말씀하신 바와 같이 화목한 가족, 건강한 가족과 사회적 관계, 마음의 평안, 비난의 여지없는 좋은 평판은 얼마나 가치 있는 것인가?

“목숨이 음식보다 중하고 몸이 의복보다 중하니라”(누가복음 12:23)

How much are a harmonious family, healthy family and social relationships, peace of mind, and having a good reputation beyond reproach worth? As Jesus told His followers, "Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing " (Luke 12:23).

 

 

어떤 종류의 ’금’이 오늘 당신의 잠을 망치고, 당신의 가족으로부터 당신을 빼앗고 있으며, 건강한 식사나 신체적 건강을 돌볼 여유조차 없을 정도로 하루의 많은 시간을 차지하고 있는가? 예수님은 다음과 같이 엄중히 경고하신다.

“사람이 만일 온 천하를 얻고도 제 목숨을 잃으면 무엇이 유익하리요 사람이 무엇을 주고 제 목숨과 바꾸겠느냐”(마태복음 16:26)

What kind of “gold” is ruining your sleep today, taking you away from your family, occupying so many hours of the day that you don't even have time for a healthy meal, or an appointment to attend to your physical health? Jesus issued this serious warning: "What advantage is there in someone gaining the whole world and losing his soul? What can compare with the value of his soul?" (Matthew 16:26).

 

예수님은 누구든 ‘진정한 금’에 귀 기울이려는 자에게 말씀하셨다.

다만 너희는 그의 나라를 구하라 그리하면 이런 것들을 너희에게 더하시리라(누가복음 12:31)

Jesus told anyone who would listen what the "true gold" is: "But seek first the kingdom of God, and all other things will be added to you" (Luke 12:31).

 

 

적용 및 토론 주제

Reflection/Discussion Questions

 

1.    최근에 열린 하계 올림픽을 본 적이 있습니까? 만약 그렇다면, 당신은 어떤 인상을 받았나요? 최상의 글로벌 대회를 준비하기 위해 선수들이 겪었던 고생과 희생에 관한 이야기를 어떻게 생각합니까?

Did you watch any of the recent Summer Olympics? If you did, what were your impressions? What were your thoughts about the stories of hard work and sacrifices the athletes made to prepare for the highest levels of global competition?

 

2.    가장 큰 관심사는 각각의 경기에서 금메달을 따는 것입니다. 누구든지 금메달을 목에 걸고 당당하게 시상대에 서는 것을 꿈꿉니다. 당신은 일터 또는 일상적인 직장생활에서 어떤 종류의 ’금’을 추구하고 있습니까?

In each of these competitions, winning the gold is the total focus. Everyone dreams of draping the gold medal around their necks and standing proudly on the podium? What kind of “gold” are you pursuing in your career, or even in a typical workday?

 

3.    고대 솔로몬 왕은 상상할 수 있는 모든 쾌락과 일에 빠져본 뒤 그것이 ‘바람을 쫓는 것’과 같다고 말했습니다. 전도서의 다른 구절에서 그는 일시적인 것을 추구하는 것이 ‘헛된 일’ 또는 ‘무의미한 일’이라고 선언하고 있습니다. 당신은 그러한 평가에 어떻게 반응하겠습니까? 그가 지나치게 냉소적이고 비관적이라고 생각하나요?

The ancient king Solomon said, after indulging himself in every form of pleasure and project imaginable, that it was like “running after the wind.” In other places in the book of Ecclesiastes, he declares that the pursuit of temporary things is “vanity” or “meaningless.” How do you respond to such an assessment? Do you think he was overly cynical and pessimistic?

 

4.      예수 그리스도는 자신의 제자들에게 “먼저 하나님의 나라를 구하라”라고 권면하면서, 누군가가 천하를 얻는다고 한들 영원한 영혼을 잃는 것보다 더 가치 있겠느냐고 말씀하고 계십니다. 이에 동의하나요? 이러한 말씀에 비추어 당신의 삶을 어떻게 평가하겠습니까?

Jesus Christ encouraged His followers to “seek first the kingdom of God,” declaring that even if someone were to gain the entire world, would it be worth losing their eternal soul. Do you agree? How would you evaluate your life, in light of these statements?

 

 

※ 참고: 성경에서 이 주제에 관련된 내용을 더 알고 싶다면, 아래 구절을 참고하세요.

NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages:

잠언 11:14,28, 18:11, 15:16, 30:8-9; 마태복음 6:19-34; 고린도전서 9:24-27

Proverbs 11:14,28, 18:11, 15:16, 30:8-9; Matthew 6:19-34; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

 

*지략이 없으면 백성이 망하여도 지략이 많으면 평안을 누리느니라(잠언 11:14)

*자기의 재물을 의지하는 자는 패망하려니와 의인은 푸른 잎사귀 같아서 번성하리라(잠언 11:28)

*부자의 재물은 그의 견고한 성이라 그가 높은 성벽 같이 여기느니라(잠언 18:11)

*가산이 적어도 여호와를 경외하는 것이 크게 부하고 번뇌하는 것보다 나으니라(잠언 15:16)

*곧 헛된 것과 거짓말을 내게서 멀리 하옵시며 나를 가난하게도 마옵시고 부하게도 마옵시고 오직 필요한 양식으로 나를 먹이시옵소서 혹 내가 배불러서 하나님을 모른다 여호와가 누구냐 할까 하오며 혹 내가 가난하여 도둑질하고 내 하나님의 이름을 욕되게 할까 두려워함이니이다(잠언 30:8-9)

너희를 위하여 보물을 땅에 쌓아 두지 말라 거기는 좀과 동록이 해하며 도둑이 구멍을 뚫고 도둑질하느니라 오직 너희를 위하여 보물을 하늘에 쌓아 두라 거기는 좀이나 동록이 해하지 못하며 도둑이 구멍을 뚫지도 못하고 도둑질도 못하느니라 네 보물 있는 그 곳에는 네 마음도 있느니라 눈은 몸의 등불이니 그러므로 네 눈이 성하면 온 몸이 밝을 것이요 눈이 나쁘면 온 몸이 어두울 것이니 그러므로 네게 있는 빛이 어두우면 그 어둠이 얼마나 더하겠느냐 한 사람이 두 주인을 섬기지 못할 것이니 혹 이를 미워하고 저를 사랑하거나 혹 이를 중히 여기고 저를 경히 여김이라 너희가 하나님과 재물을 겸하여 섬기지 못하느니라 그러므로 내가 너희에게 이르노니 목숨을 위하여 무엇을 먹을까 무엇을 마실까 몸을 위하여 무엇을 입을까 염려하지 말라 목숨이 음식보다 중하지 아니하며 몸이 의복보다 중하지 아니하냐 공중의 새를 보라 심지도 않고 거두지도 않고 창고에 모아들이지도 아니하되 너희 하늘 아버지께서 기르시나니 너희는 이것들보다 귀하지 아니하냐 너희 중에 누가 염려함으로 그 키를 한 자라도 더할 수 있겠느냐 또 너희가 어찌 의복을 위하여 염려하느냐 들의 백합화가 어떻게 자라는가 생각하여 보라 수고도 아니하고 길쌈도 아니하느니라 그러나 내가 너희에게 말하노니 솔로몬의 모든 영광으로도 입은 것이 이 꽃 하나만 같지 못하였느니라 오늘 있다가 내일 아궁이에 던져지는 들풀도 하나님이 이렇게 입히시거든 하물며 너희일까보냐 믿음이 작은 자들아  그러므로 염려하여 이르기를 무엇을 먹을까 무엇을 마실까 무엇을 입을까 하지 말라 이는 다 이방인들이 구하는 것이라 너희 하늘 아버지께서 이 모든 것이 너희에게 있어야 할 줄을 아시느니라 그런즉 너희는 먼저 그의 나라와 그의 의를 구하라 그리하면 이 모든 것을 너희에게 더하시리라 그러므로 내일 일을 위하여 염려하지 말라 내일 일은 내일이 염려할 것이요 한 날의 괴로움은 그 날로 족하니라(마태복음 6:19-34)

*운동장에서 달음질하는 자들이 다 달릴지라도 오직 상을 받는 사람은 한 사람인 줄을 너희가 알지 못하느냐 너희도 상을 받도록 이와 같이 달음질하라 이기기를 다투는 자마다 모든 일에 절제하나니 그들은 썩을 승리자의 관을 얻고자 하되 우리는 썩지 아니할 것을 얻고자 하노라 그러므로 나는 달음질하기를 향방 없는 것 같이 아니하고 싸우기를 허공을 치는 것 같이 아니하며 내가 내 몸을 쳐 복종하게 함은 내가 남에게 전파한 후에 자신이 도리어 버림을 당할까 두려워함이로다(고린도전서 9:24-27)

 

※ 출처: CBMC INTERNATIONAL  /  번역: 한국기독실업인회www.cbmc.or.kr