第59章 基督化举止与感化力
§1
第五十九章 基督化举止与感化力
§2
Christian Deportment and Influence
§3
有一项伟大而严肃的工作交给传道人；可是许多人却没有充分感到这工作的分量以致得到平衡并且谨慎而行。他们一下讲台，就几乎完全停止了传道工作，他们的榜样也不值得效法。他们轻浮打趣的谈话虽然逗人欢笑，但信徒和非信徒都对他们作基督的使者丧失了信心。这种传道人虽然能向人们传讲真理的理论；但他们自己的心灵却没有感受到真理使人成圣的能力，所说的话也没有什么效果。{GW92 415.2}
§4
There is a great and solemn work devolving upon ministers; but many have not felt its weight sufficiently to balance them, and lead them to walk circumspectly. Out of the desk, their ministerial labors cease almost entirely, and their example is not worthy of imitation. Their light, jesting conversation may entertain and provoke mirth; but both believers and unbelievers lose confidence in them as Christ’s ambassadors. Such ministers may present a theory of truth to the people; but they have not felt its sanctifying power on their own souls, and the word spoken has but little effect. {GW92 415.2}
§5
他们既脱下了公义的军装，就暴露于撒但的毒箭之下，往往倒在他试探的权势之下。他们并不牢记这一点：一次欠考虑的举动，一句轻浮琐屑的话语，就可能使一个人偏向错误的方向，作出关系永恒的决定。{GW92 416.1}
§6
Having laid off the armor of righteousness, they are exposed to the darts of Satan, and often fall under the power of his temptations. They do not remember that a single thoughtless act, a light and trifling word, may balance a soul in the wrong direction, and effect decisions that are made for eternity.{GW92 416.1}
§7
这种插科打诨，虚浮轻佻的精神，对于罪人来说是一块绊脚石，对于那些屈从未成圣之内心倾向的人来说，更是一块糟糕的绊脚石。有些人培养和加强了这种习性，直到开起玩笑来象呼吸一样自然，但这并不能减弱玩笑的不良后果。如果有人能指出我们主说过一句轻佻的话，或看到祂品格中有一点轻浮，他就可能觉得自己的轻浮和玩笑是可以原谅的。这种精神不是基督化的；因为要作基督徒就必须象基督。耶稣是完美的楷模，我们必须效法祂的榜样。基督徒是最高尚的人，是基督的代表。{GW92 416.2}
§8
A spirit of jesting and joking, of lightness and trifling, is not only a stumbling-block to sinners, but a worse stumbling-block to those who thus give way to the inclination of an unsanctified heart. The fact that some have allowed this trait to develop and strengthen until jesting is as natural as their breath, does not lessen its evil effects. When any one can point to one trifling word spoken by our Lord, or to any lightness seen in his character, he may feel that lightness and jesting are excusable in himself. This spirit is unchristian; for to be a Christian is to be Christ-like. Jesus is a perfect pattern, and we must imitate his example. A Christian is the highest type of man, a representative of Christ.{GW92 416.2}
§9
有些喜欢开玩笑、说虚浮轻佻话语的人，上了神圣的讲台上可能会庄重起来，马上转到严肃的话题，向听众介绍那赐给人类最重要最具考验性的真理。但是那些受了他们的影响并与他们一起随便开玩笑的同工，无法那么迅速地改变他们的思路。他们感到愧疚，思想混乱，无法思考属天的题目，传扬基督和祂被钉十字架。{GW92 416.3}
§10
Some who are given to jesting and to light and trifling remarks, may appear in the sacred desk with becoming dignity. They may be able to pass at once to the contemplation of serious subjects, and present to their hearers the most important, testing truths ever committed to mortals; but perhaps their fellow-laborers, whom they have influenced, and who have joined with them in the careless jest, cannot change the current of their thoughts so readily. They feel condemned, their minds are confused; and they are unfitted to enter upon the contemplation of heavenly themes, and preach Christ and him crucified.{GW92 416.3}
§11
在委员会，董事会或其他事工会上考虑圣工需要的时候，说引人发笑的滑稽话并不是出于基督的。这种不合时宜的玩笑有一种败坏的影响。当我们头一天取笑每一件事情，第二天却灰心失望，没有基督的亮光，准备挑剔和发怨言时，我们是不荣耀上帝的。当祂的子民表现出品格的稳健、力量和坚定时，当他们拥有愉快、幸福和充满希望的性情时，祂就高兴了。{GW92 416.4}
§12
The disposition to say witty things that will create a laugh, when the wants of the cause are under consideration, whether in a committee meeting, a board meeting, or any other meeting for business, is not of Christ. This untimely mirth has a demoralizing tendency. God is not honored when we turn everything to ridicule one day, and the next day are discouraged and almost hopeless, having no light from Christ, and ready to find fault and murmur. He is pleased when his people manifest strength and firmness of character, and when they have happy, hopeful dispositions. {GW92 416.4}
§13
我们应该快乐；因为耶稣的宗教里没有什么阴郁的事。虽然使徒说一切轻浮、琐屑、戏笑的话都是不相宜，要注意避免的，但在耶稣里有美好的安息和平安，会在面容上流露出来。基督徒不会是悲哀、沮丧、绝望的。他们必有谨慎自守的心；但他们也会向世人显出一种惟有恩典才能给予的快活。{GW92 417.1}
§14
We should be cheerful; for there is nothing gloomy in the religion of Jesus. While all lightness, trifling, and jesting, which the apostle says are not convenient, are to be studiously avoided, there is sweet rest and peace in Jesus, that will be expressed in the countenance. Christians will not be mournful, depressed, despairing. They will be sober-minded; yet they will show to the world a cheerfulness which only grace can impart.{GW92 417.1}
§15
彼得说：“要约束你们的心，谨慎自守，专心盼望耶稣基督显现的时候所带来给你们的恩”（彼前1:13）。这里有一个教训要我们学习；这里有一番工夫要我们去下，就是要控制心思，不让它漂流在被禁止的主题上，也不要将心思花在不重要的题目上。{GW92 417.2}
§16
Peter says, “Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” [1 Peter 1:13.] Here is a lesson for us to learn; here is a work for us to do to control the mind, not letting it drift on forbidden themes, or spend its energies on trifling subjects.{GW92 417.2}
§17
许多人真的很烦恼，因为他们心中有了低级粗俗的想法，不容易消除。撒但的恶使者在我们周围，他们虽然不能读懂人们的心思，却严密地监视他们的言语和行为。撒但利用人们通过言行显出的品格弱点和缺陷，在人们最没有力量抵抗之处施加他的试探。他提出邪恶的暗示，授意属世的想法，知道这样就能使人被定罪受捆绑。对于那些自私、世俗、贪婪、骄傲、挑剔或惯于诽谤的人——对于一切怀有品格的错误与缺点的人——撒但都提出自我的放纵，引人踏上圣经所谴责、他却使之显得有魅力的道路。{GW92 417.3}
§18
There are many who are really troubled because low, debasing thoughts come into the mind, and are not easily banished. Satan has his evil angels around us; and though they cannot read men’s thoughts, they closely watch their words and actions. Satan takes advantage of the weakness and defects of character that are thus revealed, and presses his temptations where there is least power of resistance. He makes evil suggestions, and inspires worldly thoughts, knowing that he can thus bring the soul into condemnation and bondage. To those who are selfish, worldly, avaricious, proud, fault-finding, or given to detraction,—to all who are cherishing errors and defects of character,—Satan presents the indulgence of self, and leads the soul off upon a track that the Bible condemns, but which he makes appear attractive. {GW92 417.3}
§19
各种试探都有对付的方法。我们没有被撇下去靠自己的力量独自与自我和我们有罪的本性战斗。耶稣是一位强大的帮助者，一位永不失败的支持者。跟从祂的人应该藉着加强软弱的特性来发展匀称的品格。他们必须在性情上变得象基督一样，在生活上纯洁圣善。没人能靠自己的力量作成这事，但耶稣能赐予每天所需要的恩典以成就这种工夫。谁也不必灰心丧胆，因为主已为我们做了如此充足的准备。{GW92 418.1}
§20
For every class of temptations there is a remedy. We are not left to ourselves to fight the battle against self and our sinful natures in our own finite strength. Jesus is a mighty helper, a never-failing support. His followers should develop symmetrical characters by strengthening weak traits. They must become Christ-like in disposition and pure and holy in life. None can do this in their own strength, but Jesus can give the daily grace needed to do this work. None need fail or become discouraged, when such ample provision has been made for us.{GW92 418.1}
§21
必须约束心智，不容其胡思乱想。应当训练心智思考圣经；甚至可以记住整章的经文，以便在撒但带着其试探而来时对付他。《以赛亚书》第58章是很适合为此而牢记的经文。要用上帝之灵的默示所赐的约束和指示来筑墙保护心灵。当撒但诱导人心细想属地的属情欲的事情时，用“经上记着说”可以最有效地抵制他。当他暗示怀疑我们是不是真的是上帝正在带领的、藉着试验和验证来预备他们在那大日站立得住的那班子民时，要准备好从上帝的道提出明证来对付他的暗示，证明这正是那班守上帝诫命和耶稣真道的余民。{GW92 418.2}
§22
The mind must be restrained, and not allowed to wander. It should be trained to dwell upon the Scriptures; even whole chapters may be committed to memory, to be repeated when Satan comes in with his temptations. The fifty-eighth of Isaiah is a profitable chapter for this purpose. Wall the soul in with the restrictions and instructions given by the inspiration of the Spirit of God. When Satan would lead the mind to dwell upon earthly and sensual things, he is most effectually resisted with “It is written.” When he suggests doubts as to whether we are really the people whom God is leading, whom by tests and provings he is preparing to stand in the great day, be ready to meet his insinuations by presenting the clear evidence from the word of God that we are keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.{GW92 418.2}
§23
我们自然而然会很自信，照着自己的想法而行，从而与上帝隔绝；我们却没有认识到自己离祂多么远，直到自我安全感十分坚定地建立起来，以致我们不害怕失败了。我们应该多多祷告。我们需要耶稣作我们的顾问；我们每一步都需要祂作我们的向导和保护者。我们若是更多祷告，更多恳求上帝为我们行事，就会更依赖祂，信心也会加强，以致照祂的话接受祂。这种信心会尊荣我们的救赎主。我们就会更容易相信我们若是求恩典或智慧，就必得着，因为祂说过：“你们祈求，就给你们；寻找，就寻见；叩门，就给你们开门。”“你们中间若有缺少智慧的，应当求那厚赐与众人、也不斥责人的上帝，主就必赐给他”（太7:7；雅1:5）。{GW92 418.3}
§24
It is natural for us to have much self-confidence and to follow our own ideas, and in so doing we separate from God; and we do not realize how far we are from him until the sense of self-security is so firmly established that we are not afraid of failure. We should be much in prayer. We need Jesus as our counselor; at every step we need him as our guide and protector. If there was more praying, more pleading with God to work for us, there would be greater dependence upon him, and faith would be strengthened to take him at his word. This faith would honor our Redeemer. It would be easier to believe that if we ask for grace or wisdom, we shall receive it, because his word says, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” [Matthew 7:7; James 1:5.] {GW92 418.3}
§25
“万物的结局近了。所以，你们要谨慎自守，警醒祷告”（彼前4:7）。我们不仅奉命要祷告，还要谨慎言行，——要“警醒祷告。”人如果把思想集中在天上的事物，他所谈论的也就是天上的事了。他必专心默想基督徒的盼望，和为鼓励我们而记在经上的极大极宝贵的诸应许。我们因看到上帝的怜悯和良善而快乐的心情是不必抑制的；那种喜乐是任何人都不能从我们身上夺去的。在醒着的时候，心智会不断活动。若是它思考不重要的问题，智力就会变小变弱。可能偶尔会有闪光的思想，但心智没有受训练作稳定冷静的沉思。有些题目是需要认真考虑的，那就是与即将完成的救赎大计划有关的题目。耶稣很快就要驾天云显现了。我们应该具备什么样的品格，才能在那日站立得住呢？{GW92 419.1}
§26
“The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” [1 Peter 4:7.] We are not only required to pray, but to guard the words and actions, and even the thoughts,—to “watch unto prayer.” If the mind is centered upon heavenly things, the conversation will run in the same channel. The heart will overflow at the contemplation of the Christian’s hope, the exceeding great and precious promises left on record for our encouragement; and our rejoicing in view of the mercy and goodness of God need not be repressed; it is a joy that no man can take from us. During the waking hours, the mind will be constantly employed. If it dwells upon unimportant matters, the intellect is dwarfed and weakened. There may be some spasmodic flashes of thought, but the mind is not disciplined to steady, sober reflection. There are themes that demand serious consideration. They are those of the great plan of redemption, which is soon to be finished. Jesus is about to be revealed in the clouds of heaven, and what manner of characters must we have, to enable us to stand in that day?{GW92 419.1}
§27
我们若能始终纪念髑髅地，就会很受益。耶稣在那里背负了世人可怕的罪担。祂在断气时痛苦地喊道：“我的上帝，我的上帝，为什么离弃我”（太27:46）！要记住祂忍受了天父掩面的痛苦，以便天父不至永远向堕落的人类掩面。祂忍受了羞辱、残忍的鞭打、辱骂和嘲弄，以便我们与上帝和好，得救脱离永死。我们的心思若是专注于这些主题，我们的谈吐就会属天，我们指望救主从那里降临，连虚空的想法也显得不合适了。{GW92 419.2}
§28
Well would it be for us if we could always remember Calvary, where Jesus bore the terrible burden of the sins of the world. In his expiring agony hear him exclaim, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me!” [Matthew 27:46.] and remember that he endured the hiding of his Father’s face, that it might not be forever hidden from fallen man. He endured shame, cruel scourging, insult, and mockery, that we might be reconciled to God and rescued from endless death. If our minds dwell upon these themes, our conversation will be in heaven, from whence we look for the Saviour, and even vain thoughts will seem out of place. {GW92 419.2}
§29
为我们舍命的主以无限的爱爱着我们。祂希望我们快乐；但祂不希望我们在愚昧的玩笑打趣中得到快乐，那是羞辱我们所自称热爱的圣工的。{GW92 420.1}
§30
He who died for us loves us with a love that is infinite. He wants us to be happy; but he would not have us find our happiness in foolish jesting and joking, which disgrace the holy cause we profess to love.{GW92 420.1}
§31
藉着思考这些关乎永恒利益的题目，心智才得到加强，品格得到发展。这是约瑟坚定不移原则的基础，是在恩典和真理的知识中成长的秘诀。{GW92 420.2}
§32
By dwelling upon the themes of eternal interest, the mind is strengthened, and the character developed. Here is the foundation of that firm, unswerving principle which Joseph possessed. Here is the secret of growth in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.{GW92 420.2}
§33
基督的宗教不像许多人所想象的那样，也不像他们的生活所表现的那样。上帝的爱在人心中，会直接影响生活，使人的理智和感情积极健康地运作。上帝的儿女要直到披上基督的义袍，获得祂所赐力量的支持才满足。当他发现自己品格的弱点时，一再认罪是不够的，还要坚决有力地建立优良的品格以克服缺点。他不可因困难而逃避这项工作。基督徒要求具有不屈不挠的精神。他不必靠自己的力量工作。上帝的能力等着他去申请。每一个通过认真的努力战胜自我的人，都会听到主的应许说：“我的恩典够你用的”（林后12:9）。{GW92 420.3}
§34
The religion of Christ is not what many think it is, nor what their lives represent it to be. The love of God in the soul will have a direct influence upon the life, and will call the intellect and the affections into active, healthful exercise. The child of God will not rest satisfied until he is clothed with the righteousness of Christ, and sustained by his life-giving power. When he sees a weakness in his character, it is not enough to confess it again and again; he must go to work with determination and energy to overcome his defects by building up opposite traits of character. He will not shun this work because it is difficult. Untiring energy is required of the Christian; but he is not obliged to work in his own strength; divine power awaits his demand. Every one who is sincerely striving for the victory over self, will appropriate the promise, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” [2 Corinthians 12:9.]{GW92 420.3}
§35
藉着个人的努力和信心的祷告，心灵得到造就。日复一日，品格成长得与基督相象，最后不再被环境所支配，不再自私放纵，沉溺于轻浮无聊的谈话，而是能控制自己的思想和言语。克服长期放纵的习惯，可能需要经过剧烈的斗争。然而我们靠着基督的恩典能够得胜。祂邀请我们向祂学习。祂要我们实行自制，品格完全，行祂眼中看为正的事。祂判断品格的标准是“凭着他们的果子，就可以认出他们来”（太7:20）。{GW92 420.4}
§36
Through personal effort, joined with the prayer of faith, the soul is trained. Day by day the character grows into the likeness of Christ, and finally, instead of being the sport of circumstances, instead of indulging selfishness, and being carried away by light and trifling conversation, the man is master of his thoughts and words. It may cost a severe conflict to overcome habits which have been long indulged, but we may triumph through the grace of Christ. He invites us to learn of him. He would have us practice self-control, and be perfect in character, working that which is well-pleasing in his sight. “By their fruits ye shall know them,” [Matthew 7:20.] is his own standard of judging character. {GW92 420.4}
§37
我们如果真正被上帝的灵所感动，就会恩上加恩，荣上加荣，直至我们最后进入永生。“亲爱的弟兄啊，我们现在是上帝的儿女，将来如何，还未显明；但我们知道主若显现，我们必要象祂，因为必得见祂的真体”（约壹3:2,3）。有什么地上升迁的荣誉，能与做上帝的儿女、天君的子民和王家的成员相比呢？人也许热衷于有限的同胞所能给予的荣誉，但那有什么益处呢？地上尊贵的人不过是人。他们会死亡，复归尘土。他们的称赞和尊荣不会持久。然而来自上帝的尊荣却是永远的。作上帝的后嗣，与基督同作后嗣，会使人继承无穷的财富──世上的金银珠宝与它相比，均黯然失色。藉着基督，我们将得到无法言喻的欢乐和永远的荣耀。“上帝为爱祂的人所预备的，是眼睛未曾看见、耳朵未曾听见、人心也未曾想到的”（林前2:9）。{GW92 421.1}
§38
If we are true to the promptings of the Spirit of God, we shall go from grace to grace, and from glory to glory, until we have received the finishing touch of immortality. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” [1 John 3:2, 3.] Can any earthly promotion confer honor equal to this,—to be sons of God, children of the heavenly King, members of the royal family? Man may be ambitious of the honor that his finite fellow-man may bestow; but what will it avail? The nobility of earth are but men; they die, and return to dust; and there is no lasting satisfaction in their praise and honor. But the honor that comes from God is lasting. To be heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, is to be entitled to unsearchable riches,—treasures of such value that in comparison with them the gold and silver, the gems and precious stones of earth, sink into insignificance. Through Christ we are offered joy unspeakable, an eternal weight of glory. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit.” [1 Corinthians 2:9, 10.]{GW92 421.1}
§39
我们缺少纯朴的信心，我们需要学习信赖我们最好朋友的艺术。虽然我们看不见耶稣，祂却以温柔同情地关注着我们。祂体谅我们软弱的感觉。没有一个在需要时凭着信心仰望祂的人会失望。弟兄们，不要表示疑惑；不要口出一句抱怨不满的话，而要现在就开始更加专心地关注耶稣和属天的事情。要记住，藉着仰望祂，我们会变成祂的形像。{GW92 422.1}
§40
We are wanting in simple faith; we need to learn the art of trusting our very best Friend. Although we see him not, Jesus is watching over us with tender compassion; and he is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. No one in his great need ever looked to him in faith and was disappointed. Brethren, do not express doubt; do not let your lips utter one complaining, repining word. Begin now to fix your minds more firmly upon Jesus and heavenly things, remembering that by beholding we become changed into the same image.{GW92 422.1}